Fiji is Regional Hub for Ultrasound Training
Fiji has become the regional hub for training multidisciplinary users of ultrasound. This came into effect after the Fiji National University’s (FNU) College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) was approved as the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (WFUMB) Centre of Education (COE) during its Congress in Melbourne, Australia recently. The College’s Department of Medical Imaging and Anatomy (DMIA) has been given this recognition by the WFUMB’s Task Force Group making it one of 16 Centre of Education in the world.
This means the centre under the Department of Medical Imaging and Anatomy will also be able to offer need-based training to improve the skills and knowledge of ultrasound practitioners in Fiji and the region as a whole.
Department head, Raymond Keshwan, has also been appointed the Director of the Centre of Education in Fiji.
“My entire team, the College and FNU as a whole has played a significant role in the establishment of this major development,” Mr Keshwan said.
“As part of the arrangements, WFUMB will support the COE with around $14,000 annually for at least five years to bring expatriate speakers from around the world to conduct need-based ultrasound training and workshops.”
“After this recognition, DMIA will now serve as a resource and reference centre for the region and we will work on spreading its activities through supporting the development of satellite centres for other island countries as well.”
“This has also opened doors for further collaboration between FNU and other universities such as the University of Canberra, and international ultrasound societies like the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology,” he said. He added that it was important to establish long term education and training to further improve the field of ultrasound.