Suffolk Reporter

The new year presented an unexpected opportunity for Joseph Whitton, a clinical assistant professor and program director of Radiologic Technology / MRI at Stony Brook University's School of Health Professions. On New Year's Eve, Whitton received a call from the team leader of a RAD-AID International mission to Cape Verde, Africa. The invitation required him to be ready to join their team within two weeks.

Whitton promptly accepted the invitation. As someone deeply involved in radiologic technology, he recognized the critical need for medical imaging in underserved areas. Radiology, which includes X-ray, CT, ultrasound, and MRI services, is essential in modern healthcare. However, more than half of the global population lacks access to these vital services. Without proper imaging capabilities, diagnosing and treating conditions such as cancer and heart disease become significantly more challenging.

RAD-AID is a nonprofit organization focused on expanding radiology services in low-resource regions by providing education, equipment, infrastructure, and long-term support. In 2024 alone, RAD-AID deployed 210 volunteers across more than 20 countries to deliver life-saving imaging technology and training where it is most needed.

Cape Verde faces significant challenges due to a shortage of trained radiographers and limited access to modern imaging equipment. The mission aimed to equip local students with the necessary skills and knowledge for safe and effective radiographic imaging services.

Despite various obstacles, Whitton was moved by the dedication of the students he encountered.

“We found that their greatest resource was their people,” he said. “These students were very eager to learn and so dedicated to becoming competent in performing general X-ray procedures that it was truly inspiring to me as an educator.”

For Whitton, empowering individuals to strengthen their own healthcare systems was immensely rewarding. He emphasized the long-term benefits of sharing knowledge with local communities.

“It gave me a profound sense of joy to help people develop the skills needed so that they could, in turn, provide improved essential healthcare to the people of their own community,” he shared.

— Beth Squire