When University of Wisconsin radiology experts volunteer to support their peers in under-resourced communities around the globe, they not only impart knowledge but also absorb valuable lessons and experiences. Jeffrey Kanne, MD, a professor of radiology who welcomes radiologists from Malaysia, Italy and Australia to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health each year to observe the department’s daily work, calls this “two-way teaching.” For example, he said, Malaysian doctors have experience with diseases such as tuberculosis, which is less common in the United States. In turn, visiting international observers learn how UW doctors approach patient care and report and diagnose diseases.
Another department program called the Global Health Elective allows U.S. radiology residents to volunteer their support to underserved communities in Africa and South America. Residents provide virtual consultations on CT scans captured at the Tenwek Hospital in Bomet, Kenya and the Diospi-Suyana Hospital in Curahausi, Peru. One inspiring outcome occurred when Richard Bruce, MD, professor of radiology and vice chair for informatics in the radiology department, learned that radiologists in Kenya were typing their reports, converting them to PDF format and then manually attaching them to each exam. Bruce contributed expertise in redesigning digital imaging workflows and traveled to Kenya to implement a speech recognition and radiology reporting platform called PowerScribe.
By highlighting the similarities, differences and challenges faced in diagnosing and treating patients in such different health care and country settings, the department hopes to foster cross-border discussions and stimulate interest and research in global health radiology programs.
