Global Health Spotlight with UNC Division of Radiologic Science alumna, Lauren Fuller, MHA, RT(R)(MR), MRSO
During February 2020, UNC Health MRI technologist, Lauren Fuller, traveled with RAD-AID International to Tanzania. At present, RAD-AID is supporting its global radiology community through distance education via tele-teaching/tele-consult and by continuing IT infrastructure development within partnerships. This interview features Lauren’s volunteering and how she continues to help!
What global health objectives did complete in Tanzania? Where did you go? With whom did you work?
I traveled to Moshi, Tanzania to work with MRI technologists at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC). I provided lectures and hands on clinical instruction in MRI physics, safety, and protocols.
How does your trip fit into the overall progression of the RAD-AID Tanzania partnership?
My trip fits into the overarching progression of RAD-AID Tanzania because it provided education. This education improves utilization of equipment, safety of and access to examinations. As MRI technologist education is increased, citizens of Tanzania receive higher quality health care, resulting in improved global health.
How did your time as a UNC Division of Radiologic Science student prepare you for this experience?
My time as a student in the division prepared me by instilling confidence and an ability to adapt to challenging situations. Professors and clinical instructors supported both my personal and educational growth. They inspired me to step outside of my comfort zone and give back by passing along clinical knowledge which they passed to me.
What did you learn from your experience as a RAD-AID ASRT Foundation Outreach Fellow?
I am grateful for the RAD-AID ASRT Foundation Outreach for providing this exceptional opportunity. This experience taught me many things–the value of a structured and formal education, the importance of cultural competency and etiquette, how fortunate we are to have reasonable access to quality healthcare in the US, and how to better explain magnetic resonance imaging concepts.
What’s next for you?
I plan to continue to support MRI technologist education in Tanzania. I am already communicating regularly with the KCMC technologists via WhatsApp! For example, we recently messaged about how to perform an MR Urogram. Soon, I will be working to make MRI lectures and educational material accessible to MRI technologists across all RAD-AID Tanzania institutions through RAD-AID’s online Learning Management System.
UNC Global Radiology, a RAD-AID chapter, was founded in 2012 by the UNC School of Medicine’s Division of Radiologic Science and the Department of Radiology. In support of RAD-AID International, UNC Global Radiology seeks to create a global radiology community through education, collaboration, and innovation. Lauren’s visit to Tanzania was part of a longitudinal relationship between RAD-AID International and KCMC in Moshi, Tanzania.
– Submitted by Lauren Fuller, MHA, RT(R)(MR), MRSO of UNC Health