Apr. 5, 2016
I’ve long believed that it is my professional responsibility to use my skills and talents to give back to the community, which is why I have been involved in various volunteer and community service projects for most of my adult life. But my selection as the Siemens ASRT Foundation Community Outreach Fellow deepened my commitment to giving back.
I worked in the information technology field for years and was in my mid-forties before I went back to school to earn both my radiography and radiation therapy licenses. Combining my previous experience with my new education, I worked as a picture archiving and communication system and implementation manager for a large teleradiology practice. While there, I earned my Certified Imaging Informatics Professional certification.
Also during this time, I became aware of the community outreach efforts of RAD-AID International and the ASRT Foundation and wanted to be involved. After discussing these volunteer opportunities with my wife and employer I completed the application process, but work conflicts kept me from participating over the next few years.
Last fall things changed, as a week after leaving my position at that practice I was contacted about volunteering in Ghana. After two teleconferences to learn more about the project, I eagerly accepted the fellowship opportunity that Siemens created through the Foundation.
I arrived at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital with a to-do list. However, like most implementations, the priorities changed daily to accommodate the needs of the hospital and the individuals I was training. It was interesting that fairly common knowledge and skills in the United States are virtually unknown in much of the world.
By the time I left, the hospital’s new PACS server, with new software installed, was storing images from both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. In addition, the radiologists on site had been trained to use the system and were excited about how it would elevate the level of care they could provide their patients. It was a group effort to accomplish the goals of the project in the few weeks the outreach team was in Ghana.
A personal benefit was that I was able to be a part of this important work in an environment that was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Being a part of this community outreach effort was a profound experience for me and I’m very grateful for it. I can’t thank Siemens enough for creating this growth opportunity with their donation to the ASRT Foundation. I have told everyone who will listen what a privilege it was for me to be able to be a part of the project.
I want all Foundation donors to know that your donation is not a vague thing that might somehow help someone somewhere. I saw every day the effect your support has on the patients who benefit from better medical care because of the outreach efforts of the Foundation. Your continued support will ensure that this important work continues at home and around the world.