Radiology Across Borders
The ASA is a major partner of Radiology Across Borders (RAB), collaborating with and supporting all of the RAB project work, including training for the ultrasound VITAL projects. We are passionate about outreach work and are committed to making a tangible difference in developing countries globally through education.
Radiology Across Borders believes that if you have the ability to save a life, you have the responsibility to do so, and trains local healthcare staff in developing nations in radiology to detect and treat illnesses which helps save lives.
Not only do we see it as normal to have an ultrasound scan when we are pregnant or feel a breast lump, we also expect the sonographer to be of high standard to detect any problems. Most women in our neighbouring islands do not get access to ultrasound. It's simple: quality ultrasound detects risks to the unborn baby or a woman with breast cancer and decreases mortality.
Vital Project 2023
VITAL is a Radiology Across Borders (RAB) project that provides focused education to upskill sonographers and clinicians providing ultrasound services in developing nations. The main aim is to provide education in obstetrics, gynaecology, and breast ultrasound to reduce inequity globally in health services. This practical ultrasound training program reached an audience from around the globe with 541 sites dialled in, and 79 countries represented in the 1029 registrations, the conference was a resounding success. The panel of expert speakers were led by Catherine Scott, Paula Kinnane FASA, Wendy Collier, Patrick Nielsen, Jenny Parkes FASA, Catherine Robinson FASA, and Dr Ann Quinton FASA. The ASA proudly sponsor with RAB to deliver an event that brought together healthcare professionals from around the world to improve healthcare and reduce inequities.
Pacific Symposium 2023
The Pacific Symposium was held at Lautoka Hospital, Fiji, a 330-bed general hospital and referral centre for the Western Health District of Fiji. ASA member Dr Jacqueline Spurway FASA, was able to provide ultrasound training sessions for 38 participants from Pacific nations. On day one, a local obstetrician was able to support training and provided a variety of gynaecology and obstetric patients. During the training sessions, many topics were discussed including multiple pregnancies, fetal biometry, obstetric Doppler and morphology protocol. The second day focused on the upper abdomen, shoulder, carotid and basic knee ultrasound with participants keen to practice hands-on training.
ASA2023 Brisbane International Conference
As part of the ASA’s unwavering support to provide ultrasound training opportunities for sonographers in developing nations, RAB members in Tier 3 and Tier 4 countries were offered complimentary remote registration to the ASA2023 Brisbane International Conference.
More than 70 RAB delegates were able to benefit from this advanced learning opportunity and provide feedback.
Find out about VOLUNTEERING with RAB.
