Global Health Programs

The MGB Department of Radiology is proud to have extensive experience working with healthcare providers around the world to address unmet medical imaging needs for vulnerable populations. Our residents, fellows and staff have worked with radiologists in Rwanda, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, China, India and Haiti. Further, the Radiology Department at MGB is a proud member of RAD-AID International, an organization that is focused on improving access to radiology in developing countries and increasing radiology's contribution to global public health initiatives and patient care.

Active Work

Our department’s oldest and most successful activity centers on efforts in Kigali, Rwanda.

In the early 2010s, while living in Rwanda, David Rosman, MD, helped build the first radiology residency program in the country at the Central Hospital of the University of Rwanda in Kigali. Upon returning to Boston he maintained his close relationship helping establish what would become MGB’s Department of Radiology flagship global health initiative. The program heavily focusses on educational support and clinical consultation consisting of longitudinal interactions and biannual on-site visits involving staff, fellows and residents.

Resident and Fellow International Opportunities

Our global health collaboration exposes residents throughout residency through shared weekly didactics covering foundational radiology knowledge. Staff, fellows and senior residents engage junior MGB and University of Rwanda radiology residents towards teaching core principles requisite to all radiologists, regardless of the clinical setting.

In addition to longitudinal shared learning, senior residents and fellows can participate in a 2-3 weeklong elective in Rwanda. This provides trainees with the opportunity to learn the differences that come with practicing radiology in a resource-limited environment while exposing them to a mix of cases that includes the types of pathology and advanced presentations of disease that may not be part of their standard training in Boston. Trainees share knowledge with Rwandan radiology residents and consultants, participate in case conferences between MGB and Rwandan radiologists, and engage in multidisciplinary rounds with Rwandan radiologists and clinicians.

Prior Activities

Other notable projects include:

• Jae Song, MD implemented PACS at the Muhimbili National Hospital and Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in Tanzania.
• Michael Gee, MD, PhD and Camilo Jaimes, MD developed MRI protocols for pediatric and adult patients at the Black Lion and St. Paul’s Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
• Ranu Shailam, MD reviewed teleradiology cases for Partners in Health in Haiti.
• Sjirk Westra, MD taught at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center in Moshi, Tanzania as part of the RSNA International Visiting Professor Program.
• Connie Chang, MD visited private and public hospitals in Kunming, Xishuanbanna and Meng Lian in China to build relationships and partner with radiologists with the ultimate goal of addressing appropriate usage of imaging modalities, radiation safety, quality assurance and research processes.