Evolving models for global medical technology education

The application of advanced technology in the field of medicine, especially for imaging, is expanding rapidly in the developing countries of the world. The effective and safe use of this technology requires up-to- date knowledge of science and engineering characteristics at the local level. Projects providing open shared resources have been developed that utilize digital technology to create high-quality educational media and materials and make them available in the developing countries as free and open resources. The Physical Principles of Medical Imaging Online provided by the Sprawls Educational Foundation (SEF) at http://www.sprawls.org/resources, combines visuals for classroom discussions, self-study modules, online textbook, and a curriculum guide with outlines and learning objectives. It is designed to be incorporated into courses in local institutions and to be used by individual practicing professionals. The Virtual Library of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) is available to engineers and scientists in developing countries as an open resource through the web site http://www.aapm.org/international, providing over 100 courses on the latest applications of radiation oncology, medical imaging, and related topics. These two programs are examples of evolving models designed to enhance health care in the developing countries with effective and affordable learning opportunities.