by Krystyna Barnard
Jeffrey Creasy, M.D., chief of Neuroradiology in Vanderbilt’s Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, recently participated in a three-week American Society of Neuroradiology (ASNR) International Outreach Professorship to South Africa.
A joint effort between the ASNR and the Radiological Society of South Africa, the program selects 10 ASNR members to teach in one of seven foreign countries. Creasy was the only member selected for placement in South Africa this year.
Creasy spent one week each at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, Stellenbosch University Medical Center in Tygerberg, and the University of Cape Town Groote Schuur Hospital. He presented 12 to 14 lectures each week to a total of nearly 100 attendees and met with registrars (residents) and consultants (attendings) to perform case reviews. His lectures comprised basic neuroradiology, cutting-edge advancements in imaging, including MR/CT perfusion and DTI tractography and case studies.
“Dr. Creasy proved an excellent choice as 2016 ASNR Visiting Professor to South Africa,” said Stellenbosch University Professor Richard Pitcher. “His lectures were characterized by great rapport with his audience, a wealth of insightful clinical experience and a host of invaluable ‘pearls’ for the young radiologist. Off the podium he proved a very approachable, wise and entertaining mentor for registrars and consultants alike. It was an honor and a privilege to host him at Stellenbosch University.”
Creasy said he thoroughly enjoyed his first international teaching experience.
“I found both consulting staff and registrars hospitable, knowledgeable and eager to learn. The most surprising aspect of the academic portion of my trip was the commonality I felt with the attendings and trainees. Every faculty member I met, in a way very like in the U.S., had made conscious decisions and, in many cases, sacrifices to work in a teaching environment. The registrars were of a caliber, knowledge base and character that was also compatible with what I would expect and have experienced in the States.”
When he wasn’t teaching, Creasy had the opportunity to visit local museums and prominent landmarks, including Table Mountain and Cape Point. In addition, following his last week of lectures, his family joined him for a safari at the Lalibela Game Reserve, located on the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
“Being able to experience a safari with my family qualifies as a retrospective bucket list placement,” Creasy said. “It’s amazing to see those animals roam free.
“It was an overall great experience being able to teach in South Africa,” he added. “I came to realize that no matter where you go, people who pursue careers in academics do what they do because they love what they do. We all like teaching and being around young, smart, active minds.”
