Veronica Krull Reflection – A Radiology Focused Global Rotation in Uganda

Center for Global Health
May 08, 2023
Veronica Krull is a College of Medicine student at MUSC. She was awarded a Center for Global Health Student & Trainee Travel Grant in early 2023 to pursue a project with OneWorld Health in Masindi, Uganda

Veronica Krull is a College of Medicine student at MUSC. She was awarded a Center for Global Health Student & Trainee Travel Grant in early 2023 to pursue a project with OneWorld Health in Masindi, Uganda. View more photos of Veronica's time in Uganda in this Flickr photo gallery.

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to rotate internationally at the Masinidi-Kitara Medical Center in Uganda. From the very beginning, everyone was so welcoming, and I immediately felt right at home. The volunteer coordinator, Valerie, and the house manager, Silvia, welcomed me with a hug and showed me around the living quarters, including the fruits and vegetables they had bought at the market. I then had a tour of the imaging department and the rest of the hospital. After settling in for the night, I was excited to start the next day of work. Every morning starts with devotion. It was wonderful to all come together and listen to the beautiful singing.

Veronica Krull is a College of Medicine student at MUSC. She was awarded a Center for Global Health Student & Trainee Travel Grant in early 2023 to pursue a project with OneWorld Health in Masindi, Uganda

In my residency I do not take radiographs or regularly scan patients sonographically, so this was a chance to see the other side of my job. Also, I do not interpret third trimester pregnancy ultrasounds. Nelson, the radiographer, was knowledgeable and guided me while scanning patients. I learned a great deal from him. I saw some interesting cases that I had only previously studied in textbooks. On some of these cases, I consulted my attendings at MUSC. Several evenings, I was called to interpret radiographs from patients involved in traffic accidents. The entire process was collaborative in nature, and I was happy to be a part of this and provide help to the people of Uganda. It was extraordinary to see all the hard work put in by the staff every day.

The weekends were free to explore the culture, city, and surrounding cities of Masindi. I met incredible people during my ventures. Joseph, who is a well-known driver to OneWorld Health, drove me to see rhinos, chimps, and on multiple game drives. I was also able to see his farm and everything he grows. His wife made a delicious lunch while I was there.

Again, I am thankful that I was able to participate in this global health rotation. My colleague and I are presenting our experiences to our co-residents; however, I have already talked to many of them saying that I highly suggest this rotation. I hope to go back some day.