A conversation with Runya Mukanganwa on EUS clinical training across EMEA

At PENTAX Medical, education is part of our DNA. Through initiatives such as the PENTAX Medical Forward Academy™, we see it as our responsibility to ensure the continuous development and training of healthcare professionals (HCPs), empowering clinicians to build expertise, adopt advanced techniques, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

This commitment comes to life through the work of our clinical application specialists, who support physicians directly in their daily practice. One of them is Runya Mukanganwa, Clinical Application Specialist for Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), who works closely with clinicians across EMEA to optimize ultrasound imaging and strengthen diagnostic confidence.

With a background in diagnostic radiography and public health, Runya brings a unique, clinician-centric perspective to EUS training. In this conversation, she shares her professional journey, her approach to cross-cultural clinical education, and what it takes to deliver impactful, hands‑on training in a rapidly evolving medical technology landscape.

Q1: Your educational journey took you from diagnostic radiography to public health and eventually to clinical applications. What inspired this path, and why did you choose to stay in clinical applications?

Runya:

My professional journey began with a passion for technology and healthcare and its impact on patient management. I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, and radiography drew me in because it’s hands‑on and produces something tangible – whether it’s an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound image – that plays a critical role in the patient management pathway. Seeing how my work supports radiologists, which then informs physicians’ treatment decisions, was incredibly meaningful.

I pursued an MSc in Public Health to gain a broader understanding of healthcare systems, health economics, and how countries invest in healthcare technology. While I considered more policy-focused roles, I realized my passion was hands‑on work and direct interaction with clinicians and patients – whether it was detecting cancer early through imaging or training physicians to use technology that improves patient outcomes.

I also discovered how much I enjoy teaching. Mentoring students and new starters was deeply rewarding, and clinical applications allowed me to combine technology with education. I’ve stayed in this field because I can see the immediate impact of effective training on clinical practice and patient care.

Q2: You work across multiple countries with diverse cultures and languages. How has this shaped your approach to clinical training?

Runya:
Working across EMEA has taught me that effective training goes far beyond technical knowledge. Many clinicians I work with aren’t native English speakers, so I pay close attention to how information is landing – rephrasing, using visuals, or demonstrating hands‑on when needed.

People also learn very differently. Some prefer a fast pace with minimal theory, while others need more discussion and context. Because I’m often on site for only one or two days, I need to quickly understand the local environment and tailor training so clinicians feel confident using the system independently once I leave.

Another important aspect is being a woman in a technical field that’s still male-dominated in some regions. By demonstrating expertise and confidently answering complex clinical questions, I aim to show that women excel in these roles. Representation matters, and I want to help shift perceptions.

Q3: What does a typical EUS training session look like when a new system is installed?

Runya:
Training usually combines theory and hands‑on practice over one to two days. I start with an interactive overview of the ultrasound system, focusing on key features and—most importantly—their clinical benefit. Clinicians need to understand not just how a feature works, but why it matters for diagnosis and patient management.

We then move to live cases. Together, we adjust system settings, customize workflows, and fine‑tune image quality based on what clinicians need to see most clearly. By the end of the session, the system is fully tailored to their practice, with unnecessary features removed to avoid overload.

The goal is always the same: that clinicians feel competent, confident, and ready to use the system independently. Hearing someone say, “I’ve got this—I can do it on my own,” is incredibly rewarding.

Q4: EUS technology is constantly evolving. How do you stay up to date?

Runya:
Continuous learning is essential. I attend manufacturer-led trainings, webinars, and specialized workshops to stay current on new procedures and technologies. These forums also help me understand what clinicians are discussing, which challenges matter most, and where innovation is heading.

I also spend a lot of time reviewing publications—looking at who is publishing, the quality of evidence, regulatory status, and whether a technology is moving toward routine clinical use. Working in advanced EMEA markets means clinicians expect informed answers, so staying ahead is critical.

Equally important is learning directly from clinicians. Their feedback on workflow, practicality, and real‑world impact often shapes how I tailor training and which innovations I explore further.

Q5: What advice would you give to women – or anyone – considering a career in medical technology and clinical applications?

Runya:
Go for it. Be fearless. Build a strong foundation through formal education and seek informal learning opportunities wherever you can. When I moved into industry, platforms like LinkedIn were invaluable for connecting with people and learning from their experiences.

For women in particular, especially in regions where technical roles are still male-dominated, it’s important to push boundaries. Learn from clinicians about workflow and patient impact, and from engineers about technical depth. Combine confidence with competence, and you can make a real difference in patient care and healthcare technology.