Radiology
Radiology and medical imaging in general are essential for the delivery of quality healthcare. There are few areas of healthcare that do not depend on medical imaging. Radiology is used to evaluate acute symptoms, trauma, to diagnose acute and chronic illnesses, to stage tumors and assess response to tumors to anti-cancer therapy among others. As a result, a strong clinical radiology service and strong radiology educational program are very important in a university hospital setting. Clinical service excellence and teaching excellence are inter-dependent.
MEET’s Radiology clinical education is lead by Hubert Vesselle, PhD, MD, University of Washington (UW), USA. Dr. Vesselle has primarily coordinated his work in Vietnam with Dr. Dang, MD, Director of the Radiology Department at Can Tho University Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP). A great deal of enthusiasm has been generated in this exchange over the past two years following Dr. Vesselle’s initial visit in October, 2015. He has contributed generously (over 60 books) to the Radiology library at CTUMP and provided requested instruction in the areas deemed essential for positive development within the department.
The identified areas for future collaboration include the improvement of the breadth and depth of CT examinations, growing MRI services, angiography, ultrasound, and eventually the addition of nuclear medicine.
Dr. Vesselle has been working with CTUMP staff to develop a curriculum and the availability of advanced teaching materials, developing clinical management conferences, and encouraging daily rounds as part of the interdisciplinary team at the hospital. There has been discussion of developing a Masters Program (2 years long) and a Specialist Program (2 years long) to train future leaders and advanced radiology practitioners and ensure the highest of standards within the profession, thus allowing for appropriate recognition of practitioners.
Dr. Vesselle has established frequent consultations with CTUMP Radiology, and assistance with imaging when needed. This is very exciting, and the first discipline to establish an on-going relationship of this kind. This radiology collaboration is expected to grow further with the addition of other volunteers. Most recently, Dr. Ruben Krishnananthan, a Seattle radiologist, joined MEET and Dr. Vesselle to teach at CTUMP as part of the March 2016 delegation. Others are expected to grow the ranks of radiology in October 2016.
As a vital discipline in healthcare for the diagnosis, care, and treatment of patients, Radiology’s contribution to positive outcomes is no longer questioned. It is essential to prepare practitioners for the future, and learn from each other. MEET is grateful for the addition of Radiology as one of its programs.
