Anastasia Tracy, the director of Boise State’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program, recently returned from Monrovia, Liberia, where she collaborated with RAD-AID International to advance medical imaging practices in underserved communities. Her work was part of a broader mission to support the development of healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality diagnostic imaging in the region.
Traveling alongside Julie Hall, the Radiologic Technology Program Director at Roane State Community College’s Oak Ridge Branch Campus, Tracy worked on capacity building in medical imaging. Hall’s efforts were geared toward radiologic technology training efforts at the technologist level while Tracy’s were aimed toward training sonographers in obstetric and gynecologic studies, as well as residents in neurosonography, using ultrasound to scan the brain, and Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) scanning techniques.
At key facilities, including John F. Kennedy Medical Center and Eternal Love Winning Africa Hospital, Tracy also provided physicians and residents with sonography support for abdominal, pelvic, and vascular examinations. Additionally, Tracy conducted a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) readiness assessment to evaluate the feasibility of implementing PACS software and equipment, aiming to streamline imaging workflows and improve diagnostic accuracy. PACS is a digital system that stores, retrieves, and shares medical images like X-rays and ultrasounds, replacing traditional film and allowing healthcare providers to access imaging studies instantly from different locations, which improves efficiency and collaboration in patient care.
In addition to technical evaluations, Tracy and Hall conducted multiple training sessions for residents, doctors, and radiologists, covering essential topics in radiology and sonography. These sessions were designed to help medical staff effectively utilize existing equipment while preparing for future advancements. Tracy also collaborated with a United Nations-affiliated doctor to address unique challenges faced by the local healthcare system, fostering a collaborative approach to overcoming resource limitations.
During their time in Liberia, Tracy and Hall witnessed the challenges of making critical diagnoses using subpar equipment, deepening their respect for the resilience and ingenuity of local healthcare professionals. These experiences highlighted the urgent need for equipment upgrades and the importance of training medical staff to optimize the tools they currently have.
Recognizing the ongoing need for education, Tracy provided recorded lecture materials to local sonographers, focusing on obstetric and gynecologic imaging. These lectures addressed common diagnostic scenarios while incorporating global best practices. Looking ahead, Tracy plans to expand this educational effort with an abdominal imaging lecture series, further enriching the knowledge base of the local medical community.
As part of her commitment to advancing education, Tracy presented a copy of Bontrager’s Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy to the healthcare teams. Tracy, who co-authored a chapter in the textbook, collaborated with Boise State faculty Leslie Kendrick, radiologic sciences department chair, and emeritus faculty John Lampignano to make this donation. This gesture underscores her dedication to providing accessible, high-quality educational resources in regions where they are most needed.
In a testament to their commitment to supporting the local healthcare system, Tracy and Hall also donated blood, addressing the severe shortage of blood products in the region. As a gesture of gratitude, they were gifted traditional Liberian clothing, symbolizing the deep appreciation of the local community for their efforts.
Tracy’s prior service trips with RAD-AID International to Laos provided her with valuable experience in adapting to diverse healthcare environments. These previous engagements, which supported vastly different patient populations, equipped her with the skills to equate experiences across international settings. While the healthcare challenges in Laos centered on pediatric imaging and resource-constrained protocols, Liberia presented unique demands, such as obstetric and gynecologic imaging and the implementation of advanced diagnostic workflows. Tracy’s ability to draw parallels between these experiences has enhanced her global perspective and her ability to tailor educational and technical solutions to the specific needs of each region.
Tracy’s work with RAD-AID Liberia has been both professionally and personally enriching. By addressing immediate healthcare challenges and fostering sustainable improvements in diagnostic imaging, she has made a lasting impact on the local medical community. Her contributions, alongside Hall’s, also provide valuable insights for Tracy’s students at Boise State, equipping them with a global perspective on medical imaging and the critical role sonographers play in improving healthcare outcomes.
With continued efforts, Tracy and RAD-AID International aim to elevate the standard of medical imaging in Liberia and beyond, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable future.