Lectures complement Hands-on Training

In addition to performing more than 140 ultrasounds on patients and providing training for the hospital staff on the use of the machine itself, Dr. Marks also held 10 lectures for the physicians and surgical residents. He covered ultrasound topics ranging from basic physics and obstetrics to fetal malformations, to breast, neck and hernia diagnosis, and liver, gallbladder and renal scanning.

"While a number of individuals received help, the most important part was the training," says Dr. Marks. "My experience was just great…and it is very cool to see the impact we are having firsthand."

Mothers and children now have access to ultrasound--which can be the difference between life and death for many.

"This successful innovation represents the happy intersection of appropriate technology emerging from the vision of Dr. Marks and his initiative with Sonosite," says Bill Mitchell, director of Africa programs at Medical Teams International. "Moreover, the effective transfer of this proven technology saves lives for the mission in Mali and builds a solid foundation of locally trained and capable primary care clinic and hospital staff. Because of the clear success of this training, we are already planning to expand this program in similarly situated areas of need."