WRETF Bursary Supports Conference Attendance in US and Ghana
The World Radiography Educational Trust Foundation (WRETF) continues its support of improving radiography in developing countries through two recently completed bursaries, now 17 over 4 years.
The first bursary given in honour of the late Jonathan Mazal, a former WRETF trustee who passed away last year, was to sonographer Yolanda Smart from Radiology West in Jamaica. She attended a Tom Stavros Breast Ultrasound Conference in San Antonio, US at the Westin Riverwalk, featuring advanced screening techniques and early diagnosis skills. “The conference, over three days in January 2019, was also a practical opportunity to learn about key signs leading to early detection of breast cancer - a major issue in Jamaica”, said Yolanda.
Yolanda Smart relaying her new-found knowledge to colleagues clockwise: Chris-Ann Davis-Prehea, Fredericka Campbell, Shadene Kerr, Pia Bernard and Claudia Tavares, all sonographers at Radiology West, Jamaica
The conference was a mix of educational information and practical sessions, “I learned new scanning techniques, in particular about general hand-held scanning for breast and nipple, how to image breast implants and how to optimise images using specialist functions on scanners, as well as seeing 3D breast imaging with Computer Aided Detection being used as a screening tool.
Crucially Yolanda was able to return to her department and impart her new-found knowledge in sessions both for sonographers and radiologists; a number of new protocols were adopted as a result. “These sessions demonstrate the real value of WRETF support and Yolanda proved an excellent choice by the Board”, said Chris Steelman, WRETF Chair, “It was very poignant the Trust decided to make this award in the name of my good friend Jonathan who tragically died so young, he was a huge supporter of our bursary programme and the imparting of knowledge to those working in challenging conditions in developing countries”.
WRETF Bursary recipient Caesar Barare from Nairobi with PACORI 2019 President Dr Sam Yaw Opoku
The second bursary was awarded to Caesar Barare who attended the 10th Pan African Congress of Radiology and Imaging (PACORI) held in Ghana during February. This biennial congress brings together practitioners in radiation medicine, radiologists, radiation therapists, physicists and oncologists about 400 plus delegates. Barare from the Cancer Treatment Centre in Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya not only attended PACORI, he also gave a presentation on ‘Awareness on Ionizing Radiation among Non-Radiation Workers at a Teaching Hospital and found time to visit Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to look at the activities of the National Radiotherapy, Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre.
“There is no doubt he packed in a huge amount during his stay in Ghana”, said Dr Cynthia Cowling, WRETF Education lead and former Chair. “We were impressed with Caesar’s application and his report did not disappoint”, she added. Following the award Caesar has set up links between his department and Korle Bu, techniques and ideas have been exchanged - further proof of the value of WRETF bursaries.