UNICAL Inaugural Lecturer Urges Medical Imaging Practitioners to Collaborate for Better Patient Care

In the 130th inaugural lecture at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Nneoyi Onen Egbe, a professor of Radiography and Medical Physics, called on medical imaging professionals to move away from their adversarial approach and work together for the benefit of patients.

Delivering his lecture at the UNICAL International Conference Centre, Prof. Nneoyi discussed the tension between radiographers, radiologists, and medical physicists in Nigeria, urging a shift towards cooperation and a patient-centered approach.

Prof. Nneoyi acknowledged that while there may appear to be collaboration on the surface, the underlying hostility stems from each group feeling that others are encroaching on their domain. He stressed that such divisions hinder effective patient care and called for the "sheathing of swords" in favor of synergy among medical imaging practitioners. He also emphasized that a patient has the right to be informed about the amount of radiation used in their treatment.

The inaugural lecturer highlighted the need for more research in the field of medical imaging, particularly in radiation, and urged professionals to engage in sustainable research with increased funding. He also called for enhanced capacity-building initiatives and purpose-driven training for those working in medical imaging, ensuring that knowledge is transferred through practice and evaluations.

In her remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Linkages, and Collaborations, Prof. Peter Okafor, commended the inaugural lecturer for his insights and aligned with his call for greater cooperation among medical imaging professionals. The lecture concluded with the presentation of a memento to Prof. Nneoyi in recognition of his contributions.