Association honors radiologist Boyd N. Hatton, MD, for his efforts to bring a U.S. care standard to rural Kenya
The American College of Radiology Foundation (ACR) honored Boyd N. Hatton, MD, with the 2024 Global Humanitarian Award at its annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
“Dr. Hatton’s vision to bring a U.S. standard of care to rural Kenya and his contributions to help patients obtain life-saving radiological services at no cost represents the very best of our profession,” says Jacqueline Bello, MD, FACR, chair of the American College of Radiology® (ACR) Board of Chancellors. “The foundation is honored to present him with this award recognizing him for his efforts to perform these services and his mission to educate providers on how to achieve better health outcomes for patients in Africa.”
Transforming Care in Kenya
Since 2021, Hatton has dedicated himself to enhancing imaging services at Kenya’s Kilimanjaro Mission Hospital (KMH). As the director of radiology, he oversees operations both onsite and remotely throughout the year. Hatton implemented a PACS to streamline imaging studies and regularly provides expert consultation on complex cases from the United States. Additionally, he facilitated the acquisition of new ultrasound and digital x-ray units for the hospital through careful selection, sourcing, and negotiation.
During KMH-hosted outreach clinics, Hatton ensures that all patients receive care free of charge. These clinics, which serve an average of 100 patients per day during month-long missions, travel to different villages daily. Hatton conducts point-of-care ultrasound examinations during these clinics and imparts his knowledge to medical students, teaching them valuable techniques.
Inside the ACR Foundation Global Humanitarian Award
The ACR Foundation Global Humanitarian Award acknowledges exceptional individuals, organizations, and initiatives that strive to enhance access to and equitable delivery of high-quality radiological services. Awards are presented in three distinct categories: individual radiologists; organizations (including non-profits and industry groups); and non-radiologists (such as medical physicists, radiologic technologists, ultrasonographers, and other radiological personnel).
