RSNA Press Release

OAK BROOK, Ill. (October 1, 2010) — Radiologist Erik K. Paulson, M.D., from Duke University Medical Center (DUMC) in Durham, will bring his medical expertise to Brazil 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. Paulson, vice chair of clinical operations and chief of abdominal imaging at DUMC, will be joined by two fellow radiologists as he embarks October 7 on the 12-day trip. He will spend his visit giving presentations and teaching intensive seminars to members of Brazilian radiology societies and hospital radiology departments.

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 International Visiting Professor team is truly honored to represent RSNA in Brazil," Dr. Paulson said. "We look forward to the exchange of ideas, to understand and experience a different practice and teaching model, to contrast our practice environment with others and to develop new friendships."

Dr. Paulson is accompanied by Robert W. Hurst, M.D., from Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and Donna G. Blankenbaker, M.D., from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison.

Dr. Paulson will attend the Brazilian Congress of Radiology at Rio Centro in Rio de Janeiro, visit Clinica da Imagem de Goiania in Goiania and travel to Belem where he will visit Hospital Ofir Loiola and Clinica Lobo.

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 44,000 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)