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Plenarias
PAHO ACTIVITIES ON EDUCATION FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Fleitas, Ileana; Medlen, Kayiba; Jiménez, Pablo
Pan American Health Organization
fleitasi@cub.ops-oms.org
The Radiological Health Program at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/ WHO)
established since 1960, has worked in collaboration with partners to respond to the regional
needs on education and training. Keeping in mind the rapid evolution of radiology, and the
limited offers for affordable continuing education activities, the program was focused on imaging
services for the Caribbean countries.
Several Webminar series were organized since 2013 with
topics such as Radiology Pathology,
Trauma Physics, Computed Tomography and Breast Biopsy, as well as Obstetric and Vascular
Sonography. Each Webminar starts with a Pre-test which allows instructors to tailor the content
to the specific needs of participants. One to three hours lectures were offered once a week on a
given topic using the Blackboard Collaborate virtual room. Upon completion of the Webinar
series the participant is awarded a Certificate.
Around 150 participants per series, comprising of radiologists, technologists, PACS
administrators and educators, benefited from these activities. The lecturers include radiologists,
physicians, technologists and medical physicists. Many of them are educators in academic
institutions in the United States.
After the webinars, in country courses are recommended to supplement the educational activity
including hands-on training. Such courses were offered during 2014 in Jamaica on Computed
Tomography and Sonography; Haiti for radiographers; Trinidad and Tobago on Sonography and
Computed Tomography; and Grand Cayman on Breast Biopsy.
Additionally, PAHO/WHO has undertaken activities to improve the capacity of radiology
educational centers, such as the University of West Indies in Jamaica, the College of Science,
Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), and the University of
Guyana. Book drive was organized to supply these institutions with textbooks and resources.
Future activities are planned for 2015, such as a digital radiology course in Nicaragua, and
additional Webminars on Pediatric Imaging, Computed Tomography and Abdominal
Sonography.