Robert D. Harris, M.D., M.P.H., Travels to the Philippines through International Education Program

OAK BROOK, Ill. — Radiologist Robert D. Harris, M.D., M.P.H., will bring his medical expertise to the Philippines 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. Harris, professor of radiology and obstetrics and gynecology at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth in Hanover, New Hampshire, will be joined by two fellow radiologists as he embarks February 9 on the 16-day trip. He will spend his visit giving presentations and teaching intensive seminars to radiology residents, as well as attending conferences and meetings.

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.

"I have always enjoyed teaching in low- and middle-resourced countries. There are unique challenges and rewards, but the RSNA Visiting Professors program really brings it all together in a short, intense period with smaller seminars and a larger Congress of Radiology," Dr. Harris said. "I have traveled and taught in Central America, Haiti, Vietnam, and extensively in Rwanda, where I am based for 11 months, but this is my inaugural visit to the Philippines. I thank the RSNA for giving me the opportunity to both teach as well as learn from a new, eager group of international radiologists!"

Dr. Harris, who is also a consultant and radiologist for the Human Resources for Health Program – Rwanda, is accompanied by Teresita L. Angtuaco, M.D., FACR, from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Sheila Sheth, M.D., from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Harris will spend his visit conducting workshops in hospitals in Manila and Cebu City, then lecture at the Philippine College of Radiology annual meeting in Pasay City, Manila.

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.