Pediatric Radiology Fellowship Creation as an International Education Outreach Effort in Ethiopia

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background In 2008, there were no pediatric radiologists in Ethiopia, a country of 100 million people. The radiology residency programs lacked training in pediatric imaging acquisition and interpretation. Objective We established an accredited local pediatric radiology fellowship program in Ethiopia. Methods With assistance from US faculty from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Ethiopian radiologists created a 2-year fellowship training program in a university-based Ethiopian radiology residency program that incorporated formal lectures and seminars, case tutorials, journal clubs, teleradiological conferences, paper presentations, and online courses from collaborating institutions. Formal accreditation of the program was achieved from the university, and core values were established to ensure sustainability and self-sufficiency. The Ethiopian institution provided funding for the fellows, and US faculty volunteered their time. Results In 2015, 2 radiologists were recruited to the new fellowship; after graduation in 2017, they formed the first pediatric radiology section at the Ethiopian institution. Three new fellows were recruited in 2019, and the program is now self-sustaining. Pediatric imaging training has also been added to the radiology residency. Conclusions Establishing a pediatric radiology fellowship in a country with high need but little existing faculty expertise is feasible through outreach efforts.