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MRCG Quality Improvement Project
The MRCG Quality Improvement Project, led by Worldwide Radiology, strengthens diagnostic imaging services at the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (MRCG@LSHTM).
Through remote teleradiology support, multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting contributions, and hands-on training, we provide expert radiology input to improve patient care and build local capacity.
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This five-year initiative began in May 2021 and will continue until November 2026. The project plays a key role in supporting both day-to-day clinical services and specific research projects, such as a major tuberculosis (TB) study.
The challenge and our approach
The Gambia faces a critical shortage of radiologists and imaging specialists, limiting access to high-quality diagnostic services. This shortage impacts clinical decision-making, medical education, and the ability to conduct multidisciplinary discussions essential for patient care.
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Worldwide Radiology addresses this gap by providing remote diagnostic support, education, and training. Volunteer radiologists offer expert second opinions and participate in monthly MDT meetings to enhance clinical discussions.
Additionally, Worldwide Radiology arranges volunteer visits to the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for hands-on training, helping to build long-term capacity within the local radiology team.
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The project focuses on collaboration rather than dependency - empowering local healthcare professionals to take the lead while benefiting from international expertise.
New partnership with the SCHEDA Foundation
We have entered an important new phase of work in The Gambia, supported by the Sustainable Cardiovascular Health Equity Development Alliance (SCHEDA) Foundation. This builds on our longstanding collaboration with the clinical team at MRCG@LSHTM and marks the beginning of a wider effort to strengthen radiology training in the country.
Working closely with the new Radiology Training Programme at Edward Francis Smalls Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), we will be helping to expand teaching capacity, drawing on lessons learned from supporting a similar specialist programme in Malawi.
Leading this collaboration for Worldwide Radiology is Dr Kwasi Twum, senior radiologist and post-graduate training coordinator for Radiology at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. Dr Twum visited The Gambia in September to meet the EFSTH team and carry out a needs assessment. His expertise is especially valuable as the training structure in The Gambia follows the same curriculum used across West Africa.
Project activities
Structured teaching
With support from the SCHEDA Foundation, eight radiology residents will have access to an international WWR volunteer teaching network. This will provide structured teaching, remote case discussions and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning.
Teleradiology Service
Our support is delivered through healthcare professionals at MRCG@LSHTM uploading complex cases for review, our radiologists providing expert feedback, and contributing to more accurate diagnoses and better patient outcomes.
MDT Meeting Participation
Our volunteers remotely join monthly MDT meetings, offering specialist insights that inform treatment plans and build local expertise.
Volunteer Assignments
On-site volunteer visits provide hands-on training and strengthen relationships between international experts and local teams.
Our impact
The MRCG Quality Improvement Project directly improves the diagnosis and treatment of thousands of patients each year. It also creates long-term benefits by enhancing the skills and confidence of local radiology staff, enabling them to independently interpret complex cases and lead clinical discussions.
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International volunteers also benefit from a deeper understanding of healthcare challenges in resource-limited settings, which they can bring back to their own practices, fostering a more globally informed approach to healthcare.
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This project is designed to leave a lasting legacy. By equipping local professionals with the skills and knowledge they need, we are helping to create a more resilient healthcare system. Even after the project ends, the local team will be empowered to continue delivering high-quality radiology services and training future generations of medical staff.
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Through the partnership with the SCHEDA Foundation, we will support the development of a new generation of radiology trainees in The Gambia, helping build local expertise and long-term leadership within the country’s imaging services.