Navigating the Path to Advanced MRI Education in Africa: My Smart Africa Network Experience.

My journey in MRI began when I joined Sonar Imaging Centre as a fresh graduate of the Bachelor of Radiography program. They were in the process of installing their first MRI machine. Prior to this, I had never interacted with an MRI machine, aside from the basic theory taught in class. The Philips onsite applications training introduced me to active MR education. @Mr. Paulin Maboko, the application specialist, played a crucial role in instilling confidence in my ability to excel in MRI, despite my novice status. Although the beginning was daunting, with the ongoing support of my colleagues, I persisted in my learning journey, regularly revisiting materials to solidify my understanding 

2020 at Sonar Imaging Centre (Nairobi, Kenya) learning from my colleagues

One of the challenges in Kenya and many countries in Africa is the limited availability of tertiary institutions offering postgraduate MR education. Currently in Kenya, only one institution provides a Bachelor's in Radiography, with a curriculum that covers only the basics of MR. Additionally, many hospitals either lack MRI machines altogether or have non-functional machines, making it a challenge to access hands-on training. Education predominantly relies on apprenticeships, which can severely limit one's exposure and depth of understanding. Despite my burgeoning enthusiasm for MR, pursuing formal post graduate education in this field seemed unattainable. This would entail raising substantial funds to study abroad or, if exceedingly fortunate, receiving a scholarship, which, despite my efforts, resulted in a series of regret emails.

There was a substantial gap in my MR education journey, and I encountered difficulties. During my search for resources, I came across a highly recommended book online called "MRI in Practice" by @ Catherine Westbrook and @ John Talbot which I found relatively easy to understand, this sparked an idea: What if I could be the teacher I've been seeking? Perhaps I could help bridge this MR education gap. That's when I decided I wanted to become an MRI educator. I created a YouTube channel called MRI_TECHKENYA. The plan was to work through the entire book, creating videos as I progressed, with the goal of mastering MRI and tagging others along. Problem solved, right?haha.. I even completed a series on MRI Safety, showcasing the best of my knowledge. However, reality soon set in, and I realized it wouldn't be as straightforward as I had imagined. Some concepts were challenging to grasp on my own, and without anyone to consult, the task became even more daunting. It became clear that you can't effectively teach what you don't fully understand. So, after completing my Safety video series, I was stuck.

While browsing LinkedIn one morning, I stumbled upon a post by the Consortium for Advancement of MRI Education and Research in Africa @ (CAMERA) advertising an opportunity for training in Cardiac MRI at no financial cost. Given the lack of support structures for my dream of becoming an MRI educator, you can imagine my excitement. I applied immediately. Luckily, I was accepted into the Cardiac MRI (Scan with me) Program by @ CAMERA and was even assigned to lead my group alongside @ Francis Botwe, our instructor.

Participating in the Cardiac MRI (Scan with me) Program was not just an opportunity for the learning I had been craving for so long, but also a chance to interact with MRI techs from all over Africa, leading to meaningful friendships that continue to this day. For instance, I met a wonderful lady from South Africa @ Nomawethu, who had participated in the ISMRM/ISMRT meeting in Canada that year. Seeing photos of her and other African Radiographers alongside their mentors shuttered a mental glass ceiling just by witnessing the representation of people like me.

 I had always admired how other countries had these organized meetings and conferences just for MRI to promote professional development and growth, but it was difficult to imagine I would ever be part of such a meeting. So, seeing that photo on @Nomawethu's WhatsApp status with a badge written ISMRM in Canada brought about a whole paradigm shift, and my mind shifted. (In the words of @Vusi Thembekwayo) As someone who had never seen myself as one who could ever attend such a prestigious event, I now could see myself IN it.) and I suddenly believed it was possible for me too.

Through CAMERA, I learned about the first-ever ISMRM conference in Africa by SMARTA NETWORK, which was to be held in Accra, Ghana. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I knew I HAD TO BE THERE. Despite failing to secure any sponsorship, I decided to self-fund the trip—an expensive decision but incredibly rewarding. The conference provided valuable learning and networking opportunities and I learnt that MR Radiographers could join @ISMRT for only 10 USD, a significant reduction for LMICs, and could also join the @African Chapter of ISMRM by @ SMARTA NETWORK for free at the time, granting access to valuable resources.

It culminated in a significant encounter with Prof. Derek Jones, the esteemed President of ISMRM at the time thanks to @Prof. Godwin Ogbole's insistence during the sessions that we each find a "leg to cling onto" in his words haha.. @Prof. Derek Jones graciously allowed me to connect with him. This encounter ultimately led to my current role collaborating with a team of highly motivated mentors and mentees from around the world in the Future Leaders Program. This experience marked a significant shift in my professional journey

@ Prof. Derek Jones and I at the ISMRM Conference in Ghana 09/2023 (This moment right here marked a significant shift in my professional journey) Thanks to @Prof Godwin Ogbole

Networking with people from all over the world at the ISMRM African chapter in Accra Ghana from left @Kenneth Wangari,@Dr Farouk Dako ,@ Bruce Kerongo and @John

It still feels surreal that I managed to get into the ISMRT Future Leaders Program, which is a fantastic initiative connecting Radiographers and Technologists with expert ISMRT leaders from around the world. The program aims to provide mentorship and support to develop MRI educators and future leaders in various regions. With support from the @ISMRM and the @Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the ISMRT Future Leaders Program is currently developing MRI education resources and supporting Radiographers and Technologists in Africa under the incredible leadership of @Shawna Farquharson

Early this year, I was fortunate to be paired with an exceptional mentor, @Ms. Gail Durbridge, who has been a constant source of support and guidance throughout my journey. The program began with a comprehensive 7-week ISMRT MRI Physics masterclass led by the remarkable @Prof. Martin Graves. What made it even better was that the masterclass was free for all MRI technologists. Together with our mentors, we worked to raise awareness and enroll participants from our respective countries, including Kenya. Each week, we had access to lectures and a live Q&A session with @Prof. Graves.

During this program, I had the opportunity to serve on my first international panel of expert moderators alongside @ Prof. Graves, with the guidance of the incredible and selfless @Shawna Farquharson. Shawna not only instilled in me the belief that I belonged on that panel but also actively prepared and coached me on the skills needed to be an effective moderator. I am grateful to Shawna for her leadership and inspiration.

On my first International panel of expert moderators alongside @ Prof Martin Graves,@Shawna @Theonille @Sarah Green @Liana sanches

The turn out was astounding and this only confirmed the hunger for MR knowledge in Africa.This program changed my career trajectory and I am certain for anyone who attended. Personally it not only brought a profound understanding of why we do what we do and really boosted my confidence in operating MRI technology but also highlighted how little I know and the vast amount of knowledge I am yet to explore in MR, and this encouraged a mindset of growth and continuous development.

A significant moment for me was participating in both the Unity Meeting and the ISMRM/ISMRT conference held in Singapore from May 2nd to May 9th, 2024. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to @the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the @ISMRM, @Prof. Derek Jones, @Dr. Kenneth Muthami  and @ Shawna Farqwason for their invaluable support in making this extraordinary opportunity a reality.

Attending my first ISMRM conference was an awe-inspiring experience. Everything, from the educational sessions to networking and engaging with industry leaders, left a lasting impression. Being present in those rooms and hearing diverse stories and experiences reinforced my belief that we must not limit ourselves in any way. It became evident that anything is possible, even for Africa, with individuals willing and ready to offer support.

Representing Kenya and Africa was not just a personal achievement, but a milestone for many MR Technologists across Africa. They can now envision themselves as deserving of such opportunities and see themselves breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings in those very rooms.

With Prof Godwin Ogbole at the ISMRM conference in Singapore (the man who first pushed my limits) 

with @ Nomawethu and @Christian Montalba one of our instructors at the @ CAMERA Cardiac MRI scan with me program

Even though this was my inaugural ISMRM meeting, I was privileged to present at three sessions: the Democratising MRI session, the ISMRT Global Showcase session, and the Artefact Game Show session. For this opportunity, I am deeply thankful.

Among the myriad of sessions, my top three favorites were:

1. The Democratising MRI sessions, where I had the honor of presenting alongside an exceptional team.

2. The President's Lecture delivered by @Shawna Farquharson.

3. The Accessibility lecture by @Prof. Andrew Webb, among others.

The exciting news is that all these lectures and much more are accessible through the ISMRM/ISMRT platform

Moments during the democratising MRI session alongside other presenters @Shawna Farqwason, @Karabo @Sekinat @Cowles @Kristen @Katrina

With @ Enrique Martinez from Corsmed (one of our supporters at the future leaders program)

With the legend Prof. Martin Graves author of Picture to Proton

Some additional beautiful moments at ISMRM Singaore 2024

My name is Jackline Wairimu Thairu, and I am deeply committed to advancing MRI education in Africa. My Main goal now is to pay forward the opportunities I've been given, especially to early-career MR Radiographers. To empower more radiographers to embrace MRI, emphasizing the value of lifelong learning and best practices, as I understand how daunting it can be.

The future of MRI education in Africa is brighter than ever, thanks to initiatives like SMARTA NETWORK and The Future Leaders Program. Attending the inaugural ISMRM in Accra, Ghana, organized by @ SMART AFRICA NETWORK, was a pivotal experience for me, and I am profoundly grateful for the doors it has opened.

I still hold onto my aspiration of achieving a postgraduate Master's or PhD in MRI in the foreseeable future. These experiences have strengthened my belief that it's feasible, even for MRI Radiographers in Africa. For now, we persist in maximizing our efforts with the tools and resources at our disposal. Thank you