Meet Angela Udongwo, a dedicated member of Akisan and a third-year medical student at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Angela’s remarkable journey takes a significant turn as she leads a groundbreaking research project to enhance the interpretation of radiological scans for Black patients with braids, twists, and locs.
Driven by the desire to address the underrepresentation of Black radiologists, Angela seized an opportunity presented by her mentor, Hillel Maresky, a Temple radiologist. Maresky envisioned building a knowledge base that distinguishes protective hairstyles in radiological scans, recognizing the need for greater understanding in this area. In a field where only 3% of radiologists are Black, Angela’s project aims to bridge the gap in interpreting Black hairstyles accurately.
Beyond her research, Angela takes on the role of an educator at Temple’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine. She not only instructs fellow physicians on interpreting Black hairstyles in radiological scans but also emphasizes the importance of using appropriate language when discussing them. Angela’s commitment to education stems from her belief that continuous learning is key to becoming better physicians.
The research project holds immense significance in combating the issue of Black patients receiving suboptimal care due to misinterpretation of radiological scans. Angela explains that common Black hairstyles often create artifacts on scans, appearing as opaque squiggles and potentially being mistaken for signs of disease. With limited medical literature on interpreting these artifacts, physicians may make errors, leading to unnecessary tests and exposure to radiation.
Angela, along with Temple researchers, envisions utilizing their findings to develop educational materials. These resources will play a pivotal role in educating radiologists, particularly those who are not familiar with the nuances of Black hairstyles in medical imaging. Despite not having the same financial resources as some hospitals, Temple’s diverse patient population provides a unique strength that Angela and her team leverage for this groundbreaking initiative.
“I’m surrounded by people who really like to learn and want to become better physicians,” Angela expresses her excitement for the project’s future. The Akisan community stands proud of Angela Udongwo, a dedicated member whose efforts contribute to a more inclusive and informed medical field. As the research unfolds, Angela’s commitment to fostering understanding and bridging gaps in healthcare continues to make a lasting impact.
