Autobiography of Fairuuj Mahama

My name is Fairuuj Mahama, a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, researcher, educator, and healthcare entrepreneur from Ghana. My professional journey has been driven by a strong passion for medical imaging, patient-centered healthcare, research innovation, and the advancement of diagnostic services within Ghana and beyond.

I began my academic journey at Presbyterian Senior High School, Bechem, where I studied General Science from 2008 to 2012. During this period, I developed a strong interest in science and healthcare, which later influenced my decision to pursue a career in medical imaging.

In 2013, I gained admission to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, to study Sonography. My undergraduate years were marked by dedication, discipline, and academic excellence. I was recognized as the Best Sonography Student for three consecutive academic years: 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016. In 2017, I graduated as the Best Graduating Student in Sonography.

During my clinical training at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and other healthcare facilities, I developed practical experience in diagnostic and interventional ultrasound procedures. These experiences strengthened my clinical competence and deepened my commitment to patient care and diagnostic accuracy.

Following graduation, I served as a Teaching Assistant at the Department of Medical Imaging, KNUST, where I assisted in organizing tutorials, practical sessions, and student discussions. This experience introduced me to academic mentorship and teaching, which later became an important aspect of my professional career.

Since 2018, I have been working at Spectra Health Imaging and Interventional Radiology in Kumasi, where I currently serve as the Head of the Medical Imaging Department. In this role, I oversee the daily operations of multiple imaging units, including ultrasound, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, mammography, and interventional radiology. My responsibilities include workflow coordination, quality assurance, staff supervision, mentorship, and ensuring adherence to imaging standards and patient safety protocols.

As a sonographer, I have developed advanced expertise in ultrasound imaging and elastography. I perform a broad range of routine and specialized examinations, including abdominal, obstetric, gynecological, vascular, musculoskeletal, breast, thyroid, prostate, pediatric, and interventional procedures. I also specialize in ultrasound elastography techniques such as strain elastography, Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI), and shear wave elastography for evaluating breast, liver, thyroid, and prostate diseases.

Beyond clinical practice, I am passionate about education and mentorship. I currently serve as a Clinical Instructor at the Department of Medical Imaging, KNUST, where I mentor students and trainees in ultrasound principles, scanning techniques, image acquisition, and cross-sectional imaging.

My interest in research has significantly shaped my professional development. I have contributed to several research projects and publications focused on breast imaging and ultrasound elastography. Some of my published works include studies on the role of elastography in improving BIRADS classification, correlations between shear wave elastography findings and breast cancer histopathology, and a pioneering case report on microwave thermal ablation for breast cancer in Africa.

I pursued an MPhil in Medical Imaging at KNUST from 2023 to 2025, focusing on the diagnostic value of ultrasound elastography in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions in Ghana. My postgraduate research also involved a systematic review and meta-analysis registered with PROSPERO.

In addition to my clinical and academic responsibilities, I am also an entrepreneur. In 2023, I co-founded Switch Medical Diagnostic Services in Kumasi, Ghana, with the vision of improving access to high-quality, patient-centered diagnostic healthcare services.

Throughout my journey, I have remained committed to professional growth, evidence-based imaging practice, and compassionate patient care. I believe that medical imaging continues to play a critical role in modern healthcare, and I aspire to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of diagnostic imaging, research, and healthcare delivery in Ghana and internationally.

Outside of work and research, I enjoy reading, research activities, and playing video games. These hobbies help me maintain balance while continuously learning and exploring new ideas.

My journey continues to be guided by excellence, innovation, leadership, and a desire to positively impact healthcare through medical imaging and education.