RSNA Press Release

OAK BROOK, Ill. (May31, 2012) — Radiologist Eric J. Stern, M.D., from the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC), will bring his medical expertise to Vietnam as part of the International Visiting Professor Program offered by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). The program fosters international relations among radiology societies to assist with medical education in developing and newly developed nations.

Dr. Stern, professor of radiology, medicine, medical education and global health at UWMC, will spend his visit giving lectures and conducting site assessments at hospitals that he previously visited in 2008 under the program. Dr. Stern will be joined by a fellow radiologist as he embarks June 1 on the 12-day trip.

The program is mutually beneficial. The visiting team of radiologists informs local doctors and hospitals about the latest advances in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology. In turn, the visiting professors experience firsthand the obstacles faced by medical professionals in the host countries.

"The importance of the return visit is to accomplish several goals, including reinforcing and expanding upon some of the educational materials presented during the initial visit, as well as assessing changes in technology and clinical practice," Dr. Stern said. "In addition to the educational program designed for the resident trainees and local community, we will hold meetings with the radiology leadership of these institutions to identify the important changes in the clinical and educational programs since 2008, and assess ongoing needs in the radiology community in the northern and southern parts of this rapidly developing country."

Dr. Stern, who is also the department of radiology vice chair at UWMC, will be accompanied by H. Carisa Le-Petross, M.D., from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Dr. Stern will visit Bach Mai University Hospital in Hanoi and Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

"I am proud to represent the RSNA in this outreach program, and am delighted to say that many of the contacts and relationships developed in 2008 are still intact," Dr. Stern said. "This return visit will help strengthen these professional relationships."

The International Visiting Professor Program was founded in 1986 and is administered by RSNA’s Committee on International Relations and Education. This program is supported by Agfa HealthCare.

RSNA is an association of more than 48,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists committed to excellence in patient care through education and research. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org)

The RSNA Committee on International Relations and Education was established in 1986 to advise the RSNA on how the Society might provide international assistance to enhance radiologic education in countries requesting and requiring assistance. (RSNA.org/International/CIRE)