Scan With Me (SWiM)

Welcome

The Scan With Me (SWiM) team is happy to welcome you to the SWiM event website! Here you will find more information about SWiM, the program's objectives, schedule and how to apply to attend. You will also be able to attend the training event directly through this website. 

Program Overview

SWiM (Scan With Me) is a hybrid training initiative of the Consortium for Advancement of MRI Education and Research in Africa (CAMERA). The SWiM program is designed to advance the skill sets of MR imaging technologists practicing in imaging centers in Low- and Middle- Income Countries (LMICs) in Africa, Latin America and South East Asia. SWiM implements RAD-AID’s Teach-Try-Use strategy, applied in CAMERA’s SPARK AI training program, to rapidly provide MR image acquisition competences in resource-limited settings. SWiM uses a combination of case-based  and hands-on learning approaches to train a team of technologists who will work together as a network to grow their skills and collectively train others. This year’s program focuses on brain imaging and delivered in collaboration with the Siemens Healthineers, United Imaging,  McGill University Health Center (MUHC), Accuread Radiology Nigeria LTD, and Crestview Radiology, and supported by the McGill University Doctoral Internship Program and Global Mobility Awards. MR technologists are being trained to acquire high quality and best value brain images including emerging advanced techniques such as Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rsfMRI), Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS), Fingerprinting and Artificial Intelligence applications for image acquisition and reconstruction.  

The 2026 SWiM program expands on the 2025 program to include, dedicated training in pulse sequence programming using Pulseq, an open-source vendor-naive pulse sequence framework. A strengthened research translation module covering biomedical research ethics, scientific writing and communication, with targeted submissions to ESMRMB (European Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology) conference and journals. Enhanced training on image quality assurance, artefact detection, and quality validation.

The 2026 SWiM program runs from August 11, 2026 to October 17, 2026, with the goal of producing a network of skilled technologists capable of implementing standardized, advanced, and Pulseq-compatible MR neuroimaging protocols at their centers while contributing meaningfully to the global MRI research landscape. The MRI technologists will be trained to acquire high-quality brain images, program basic Pulseq sequences, navigate research ethics processes relevant to their local settings and translate their learning into scientific outputs. The SWiM Program aligns with other CAMERA programs on image analysis (ConnexIN) and acquisition on open-source MRI hardware (IMAGINE) to ensure technologists have proficiency from image acquisition to analysis and device maintenance.

Objectives

The main objectives of the SWiM Program are to:

1. Build standardized imaging skills in MRI.
2. Upscale and advance the imaging skills of technologists practicing in resource limited settings.
3. Implement standard MR imaging protocols for optimal imaging of diseases and conditions prevalent in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). 
4. Train and retrain imaging experts who will sustainably advance the practice of MRI in LMICs.
5. Create a collaborative culture and a network of imaging experts in LMICs.

Eligibility

The program is open to technologists who:

1. can commit to completing all program activities on time and actively participate in each session. 
2. will be able to attend at least 90% of the training activities. 
3. are a registered MRI technologists practicing in center in LMIC
4. have clinical experience with MR imaging.  
5. are self-motivated and team players. 
6. have support from their clinical director or imaging leader/head of department. 

Application Process

The application to attend the 2026 SWiM Program is open from August 11, 2026 to October 17, 2026. 

Dates

Application Open: June 25, 2026

Application Close: July 16, 2026

Selection Announcement: July 31st, 2026

Onboarding: August 8th, 2026

 Program Start: August 11th, 2026

How to Apply:

Visit the How to Apply page and complete the application form, include a 50 words essay on why you want to participate and a 1-page CV summarizing your diagnostic imaging training and work experience.