In recognition of her pioneering role and her significant contribution to the development of one of COSTAATT‘s flagship programmes (Radiological Sciences), the Board and Management of the College took great pride in presenting Ms. Wilma Collins with the 2011 COSTAATT Award of Merit. Below is an excerpt from the Graduation Ceremony programme, which was held on the 19th of November 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

 

"Wilma Collins received her training in Radiography and Radiation Therapy from Charing Cross Hospital and Hammersmith Hospital in London. In 1960, she was awarded a government scholarship to pursue studies in these critical areas as part of a national effort to develop a local cadre of healthcare professionals with the requisite knowledge and skills to lead in the development of the health sector in the era of independence.

On Ms. Collin’s return to Trinidad, she worked in the fields of Radiography and Radiation Therapy at the Port of Spain, San Fernando, Tobago and Mount Hope Hospitals. In 1989, she was the recipient of yet another national scholarship which enabled her to specialize in Angiography at the Toronto General Hospital in Canada.

Wilma’s first teaching experience came when, in the context of establishing the angiography unit at the Port of Spain General Hospital upon her return to Trinidad and Tobago, she was required to train radiographers in the use of the new equipment. In 1990, Wilma was seconded to Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex as Assistant Manager in the Radiology Department. However, her interest in teaching and her passion for ongoing development of her profession had been ignited and in 1992, she joined the NIHERST College of Health Sciences. In 1993, Ms Collins completed a post graduate Diploma in Education and began teaching at NIHERST. This was a natural progression for her, as her passion for the fields of radiography and radiation therapy intensified.

At the College of Health Sciences, in collaboration with Dr. Allan Regisford, an international consultant recruited by NIHERST to assist in the upgrade of the level of training in the radiological sciences, Wilma played a key role in the design, development and introduction of the first Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiological Sciences in Trinidad and Tobago. When the NIHERST College of Health Sciences was integrated into the newly-established COSTAATT in 2000, Wilma was selected to head the Department of Radiological Sciences. In this capacity, she was able to bring her years of experience as a professional radiographer to bear on strengthening the relevance of the curriculum and the work-readiness of the graduates.

By 2205, the quality and reputation of this programme was so well established, both locally and regionally, that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago selected COSTAATT as the preferred training provider in radiography and radiation therapy for the planned National Oncology Centre. Wilma was the key technical resource on a multi-agency team that collaborated in the development of Trinidad and Tobago’s Bachelor of Science degrees in Radiation Therapy and Radiography respectively.

Ms. Collins’ dedication to her students’ success is matched only by her commitment to her profession, which led her to spearhead the introduction of many professional development programmes and courses, in areas such as ultrasound technology, echocardiography and contrast injection. This commitment was recognized when she was elected to serve as the first President of the Society of Radiographers of Trinidad and Tobago, a position which she held from 1973 to 1998.

So pervasive and significant have been Ms. Collins’ impact in the field of Radiological Sciences that one would be hard-pressed to find a health care facility in Trinidad and Tobago in which her graduates are not employed and performing at the very highest levels.

Ms. Collins now holds the position of Senior Lecturer in Radiography in the Department of Health Sciences Technologies, under the School of Nursing, Health and Environmental Sciences at COSTAATT. The Board and Management of the College are pleased to pay tribute to her outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the Radiation Sciences, not only at COSTAATT, but across the country and the region.

In recognition of her pioneering role and her significant contribution to the development of one of COSTAATT‘s flagship programmes, the Board and Management of the College took great pride in presenting Ms. Collins with the 2011 COSTAATT Award of Merit."

 

Ms. Collins also received a long service award from COSTAATT on the 29th October for her years as lecturer in Radiological Sciences. 

 

The current Executive Committee of the Society of Radiographers of Trinidad & Tobago would like to acknowlege the achievements of Ms. Wilma Collins and wish her continued success in her future endeavours.

 

GOD BLESS!!!