What an Honor and Privilege!
It was both an honor and a privilege to visit Haramaya University as part of the evaluation of its readiness to launch a Radiology Residency Program. I was equally honored to be a guest at the University's 71st Graduation Ceremony—a wonderful celebration of achievement, tradition, and academic excellence.
This visit reminded me that building a successful residency program goes far beyond meeting accreditation requirements. Infrastructure, equipment, and qualified faculty are essential, but they are only part of the story. The real foundation of a successful program is committed leadership, a dedicated department, effective communication, and, above all, trust.
What impressed me most was the strong support shown by the University and College leadership. Even when certain aspects of radiology training and workflow were new to them, they demonstrated confidence in the department's vision and provided the encouragement and support needed to help it grow. That level of trust is both rare and powerful.
The Radiology Department has made remarkable progress. The infrastructure, imaging equipment, and learning environment are excellent. Having visited many radiology departments across Ethiopia, I can confidently say that Haramaya University has developed one of the strongest radiology platforms in the country and is exceptionally well positioned to train future radiologists.
Beyond the physical resources, what stood out most was the culture. There was a genuine spirit of collaboration, open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. I was particularly encouraged by the way the institution views its future residents—not simply as trainees, but as future colleagues.
This was reflected in the thoughtful attention given to their learning and working environment. Discussions were not limited to classrooms, equipment, and reporting spaces.
Equal consideration was given to residents' well-being, including the facilities they will use while on call after hours. Such attention to detail sends a powerful message: residents are valued, respected, and supported from the very beginning of their training journey.
Perhaps the most important lesson from this visit is one that applies to all of us in radiology.
No matter how advanced our equipment is, how strong our credentials are, or how committed we may be as professionals, progress cannot happen without trust and communication. Radiologists who aspire to establish new residency programs must engage openly with institutional leaders and policymakers, communicate their vision clearly, and build confidence in their plans.
Likewise, institutional leaders must create an enabling environment and trust their departments to innovate and grow.
When open communication breaks down and trust between a department and institutional leadership is lost, the consequences extend far beyond administrative challenges.
Not only can advanced imaging services that took years to develop and strengthen be compromised, but even routine diagnostic services may begin to suffer. Professionals gradually lose motivation to invest their time, energy, and expertise in their work environment, making it increasingly difficult to sustain progress and deliver the level of care patients deserve.
In contrast, when trust is nurtured, communication is transparent, and leaders share a common vision, professionals become empowered, innovation flourishes, and remarkable achievements become possible.
Haramaya University offers an excellent example of what can be achieved when leadership and academic departments work together with transparency, respect, and a shared purpose.
I encourage all radiologists and institutional leaders planning to establish residency programs to focus not only on meeting minimum standards but also on building the relationships and culture that sustain long-term success.