Samantha Covey Grant Story

Samantha Covey Grant Story

Conducting Research: Assisting with Retinal Imaging in Sierra Leone

Heading to Connaught Eye Clinic to assist with retinal imaging for the Ebola Survivorship study, I felt a sense of calm and excitement that was fed by all the preparation and anticipation that had led to this moment. I arrived to meet the imaging team made up of three Sierra Leonean research assistants who I learned on arrival had only practiced with a handheld retinal camera for the first time the day before. With Ebola survivors lining up for retinal imaging and ophthalmologists asking if I could handle this, I simultaneously stepped into the role of researcher and teacher.

I was thrilled to have this opportunity, challenging my ability to adapt and embrace the unknown. I found confidence in my ability to thrive under pressure and lean on my passionate drive to accomplish my goals. I did my best to maintain a steady flow of participants while working with the team through the challenges of operating a handheld retinal camera that creates more variability than a classic tabletop camera. I alternated with the team to capture analyzable images while coaching them through the imaging process and strategies. Through intensive joint training and data collection days of taking over 200 retinal images, I proudly watch the team develop their skills. Our shared passion as well as dedication and determination served as a bridge for developing strong professional relationships amongst the team, in which we could learn from each other and cultivate a collaborative environment. I depended heavily on my creativity and adaptability to make modifications and maintain clarity of mind while working through data collection issues. Once the team began to work as one, beautiful retinal images began to be produced.

The Newcomb Tulane College research grant gave me the opportunity to be part of this moment and achieve my goal of building research capacity through sharing my knowledge and skills in retinal imaging. Working closely with the team during this first week of data collection, prepared them to go out into the field and continue retinal imaging for the study in the more rural areas of Sierra Leone after our team left. I was unable to reach my aim of providing training on retinal analysis because as a team, we recognized the most important and time-sensitive objective was to get the research assistants proficient at using the handheld retinal camera to produce quality images.

This experience challenged me to be a leader and take ownership of my own expertise. It tested my flexibility and challenged me in maintaining the integrity of the scientific method when faced with the challenges of a low-resource environment. I learned the importance of partnership and cultural humility in the global health setting and in conducting research that also builds infrastructure. Seeing the partnership between Tulane, Connaught Eye Clinic, and Kenema Government Hospital serves as an example of the kinds of future partnerships I hope to be a part of as a physician-scientist. I am grateful to Newcomb Tulane College for funding this opportunity and bringing me a step closer to my path to becoming a physician-scientist.