Review Article

Radiology subspecialisation in Africa: A review of the current status

Efosa P. Iyawe, Bukunmi M. Idowu, Olasubomi J. Omoleye
South African Journal of Radiology | Vol 25, No 1 | a2168 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajr.v25i1.2168 | © 2021 Efosa Peace Iyawe, Bukunmi Michael Idowu, Olasubomi Jimmy Omoleye | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 20 April 2021 | Published: 30 August 2021

About the author(s)

Efosa P. Iyawe, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Bukunmi M. Idowu, Department of Radiology, Union Diagnostics and Clinical Services PLC, Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria
Olasubomi J. Omoleye, Department of General Medicine, LouisMed Hospital and Fertility Centre, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Radiology subspecialisation is well-established in much of Europe, North America, and Australasia. It is a natural evolution of the radiology speciality catalysed by multiple factors.

Objectives: The aim of this article is to analyse and provide an overview of the current status of radiology subspecialisation in African countries.

Methods: We reviewed English-language articles, reports, and other documents on radiology specialisation and subspecialisation in Africa.

Results: There are 54 sovereign countries in Africa (discounting disputed territories). Eighteen African countries with well-established radiology residency training were assessed for the availability of formal subspecialisation training locally. Eight (Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Tunisia) out of the 18 countries have local subspecialist training programmes. Data and/or information on subspecialisation were unavailable for three (Algeria, Libya, and Senegal) of the 18 countries. Paediatric Radiology (Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia) and Interventional Radiology (Egypt, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania) were the most frequently available subspecialist training programmes. Except Tanzania, all the countries with subspecialisation training programmes have ≥ 100 radiologists in their workforce.

Conclusion: There is limited availability of subspecialist radiology training programmes in African countries. Alternative models of subspecialist radiology training are suggested to address this deficit.


Keywords

Africa; Curriculum; Education; Radiology; Specialist training; Subspecialisation; Web-based learning

Metrics

Total abstract views: 3250
Total article views: 3731

 

Crossref Citations

1. How does the model make predictions? A systematic literature review on the explainability power of machine learning in healthcare
Johannes Allgaier, Lena Mulansky, Rachel Lea Draelos, Rüdiger Pryss
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine  vol: 143  first page: 102616  year: 2023  
doi: 10.1016/j.artmed.2023.102616