World Paediatrics host first Echocardiogram Training Programme in SVG

WORLD PAEDIATRICS piloted its first Echocardiography Training Programme in St.Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on November 17 and 18, 2025.

DR. SCOTT GULLQUIST (R) supervising trainees

The training sessions were facilitated by a team of highly skilled and experienced paediatric cardiologists including Dr.William Moscowitz; Dr. Scott Gullquist; Dr.

Chetana Reddy; and Dr. Caroline Lee, as well as Craig Myers, an expert cardiac sonographer.

Their combined expertise provided nine participants from SVG and neighbouring islands- including St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts, and Grenada with comprehensive, hands-on instruction in paediatric cardiac care and echocardiography, a WP release states.

The programme focused on teaching and mastering fundamental skills in paediatric cardiac care.

The trainers covered both theoretical and practical training in echocardiography ranging from obtaining quality ultrasound images and interpretation, to instruction on identifying congenital heart abnormalities, improving clinical decision-making, and strengthening diagnostic confidence.

“Our team has served the region for many years through outreach clinics across multiple islands,” explained Dr. Moskowitz in an interview. “We want children to receive timely care even between our visits, so we’re educating local cardiologists, paediatricians, and sonographers on performing paediatric echocardiograms.” He further explained that this allows babies with concerning symptoms to be assessed locally and have their images sent via telemedicine for diagnosis and treatment on a more timely basis.

In addition, the training highlighted a milestone in local and regional cardiac care: the first-ever in-utero echocardiogram (an ultrasound of a baby’s heart before birth) performed in St.Vincent and the Grenadines that was conducted for a Vincentian family whose older son had previously been a cardiac patient at World Paediatrics.

“Congenital heart disease is the most common birth defect, affecting about one percent of newborns,” said Dr. Lee. “For families with a history of heart defects, prenatal heart screening can be especially valuable for early detection,” she continued.

World Paediatrics executive director for the Caribbean, Lauren McIntosh-Shallow marked this initiative as a “game-changer in paediatric care”.

Following a brief survey, trainees reported a clearer understanding of cardiac diseases and noted that the sessions introduced them to new, effective imaging techniques.

World Paediatrics, the participants and the trainers, have extended gratitude to the ECGC Foundation for sponsoring this initiative; to the local and regional medical practitioners and their overall mission; as well as Vincentian children and families who dedicated their time to be a part of this training programme.

Individuals interested in following and supporting the work of World Paediatrics may visit their website at www.worldpediatrics.org or call their local office at 1-(784)-451-2989.