Inside News

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General Interest
Volume 12 No 4 I September 2016 61
It is hard to imagine, with the wealth of
technology at our fingertips today, the
lengths a visiting medical officer would
go to in order to return correspondence
and opinions on cases some 40 years
ago.
In keeping with this year’s theme of
taking a closer look into the individual
collections that create the historic
Trainor/Owen archive, a box full of
letters and carbon copy replies was
uncovered. Once sorted, the collection
revealed the reality of the practice of
radiology in Papua and New Guinea
(PNG) during the 1970s and the support
offered by practising radiologists in
Australia.
Based in Sydney, with a team of trainee
radiologists stationed in various
hospitals across PNG, these doctors
found a way to consult on cases and
have results returned within 24-48 hours
to bring medical services to regional
centres and remote villages throughout
PNG.
X-rays and patient notes from regional
centres such as Madang, Rabaul
and Mount Hagen would be sent
to Port Moresby, and from there on
an overnight flight to Sydney. Then
reported on by the senior radiologist
and returned on the very next outbound
flight, giving juniors enough information
to set a broken bone or diagnose more
serious illnesses.
This style of reporting fitted well into the
lifestyle of the tribal people who were
moving through or returning to remote
villages, most with a diagnosis or course
of treatment and a medical answer for
their ailments.
Comprising more than 300 letters,
the collection provides an insight into
the hard work and dedication of the
people and doctors who struggled with
outdated and failing machines and lack
of continuing industry based education.
But it also leaves many questions
unanswered.
The snapshot of this practice during
the 1970s has been made possible
through a donation of more letters
to the archives from the estate of Dr
Nils Korner. It is a reminder of the
importance of supporting international
relations and communications to
improve patient care in developing
countries.
From the Trainor/Owen Collection
A Glimpse into Remote Radiology
Member Participation Opportunity
Do you enjoy discovering stories or solving mysteries?
Why not volunteer to help with the Trainor/Owen
collection.
Interested in Learning More
Want to learn more about the HR Withers collection or
other collections in the College archives? Why not make
an appointment to visit this unique archive, museum and
library recording the history of radiology and radiation
oncology.
Contact
Please contact Eva Stokes-Blake, Project Officer, Archivist,
at the College for more information on+61 2 9268 9725
or email
Image courtesy of OCHA