Dr. Berndt Schmit is a passionate leader in global health, particularly focused on radiology capacity development in underserved regions. As the President of the Humanitarian Radiology Development Corps (HRD Corps), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity founded in 2017, he has spearheaded efforts to bring sustainable improvements to healthcare infrastructure in low-income countries (LICs). His work revolves around the deployment of essential radiology equipment and building self-sustaining healthcare services, primarily in regions such as Haiti, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Malawi, Togo, and Kenya.
Dr. Schmit’s approach to capacity development focuses on the full value stream of healthcare delivery—from equipment donation and installation to training and maintenance—with an emphasis on creating sustainable, locally managed systems. His work in radiology and ultrasound has been instrumental in improving maternity care, early cancer detection, and general medical imaging capabilities in resource-constrained settings.
Research & Advocacy Efforts
Dr. Schmit advocates for the global health integration of radiology and plays a vital role in promoting healthcare solutions that are custom-tailored to the needs of communities in low-resource settings. His organization, HRD Corps, has pioneered the concept of "Precision Charity," which focuses on delivering client-focused, bespoke solutions for healthcare capacity building. He has worked extensively to provide training and hands-on seminars to medical professionals in various countries, ensuring that healthcare workers are equipped with the knowledge to manage and maintain the technology provided.
Additionally, Dr. Schmit’s work is centered on developing new initiatives such as the Ultrasound Centric Breast Cancer Detection project in Togo, in collaboration with the charity Cure Women’s Cancer, aiming to improve breast cancer detection and treatment in regions with limited access to healthcare services.
Funding
Under Dr. Schmit’s leadership, HRD Corps has raised significant funds to support its mission. The organization has donated and implemented radiology systems and devices valued at over $1.7 million, including:
- 46 ultrasound machines (31 full-size, 2 laptops, 13 handheld)
- 3 Radiology PACS systems
- 3 portable X-ray machines
The funds for these projects are primarily raised through donations and self-funded physician travel for missions. Dr. Schmit’s work emphasizes the importance of self-sustaining solutions, ensuring that the healthcare systems in the regions served can eventually operate independently, even after the initial support.
Educational Background & Clinical Training
Dr. Schmit’s extensive medical background includes a MD from Tufts University School of Medicine and a Master of Business Operation Excellence (MBOE) from The Ohio State University Fisher School of Business. His clinical training includes:
- Diagnostic Radiology Residency at Mount Auburn Hospital
- Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Emergency Medicine Internship & PGY 2 at the University of Arizona
Dr. Schmit is Board Certified in Diagnostic Radiology and has over 20 years of experience in private practice and academic radiology. He also holds an academic position as an Associate Professor of Radiology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Industry Relationships and Collaborations
Dr. Schmit’s HRD Corps has collaborated with numerous organizations dedicated to global health and sustainable healthcare solutions, including:
- Cure Women’s Cancer: A partnership aimed at breast cancer detection and treatment in Togo.
- RadAid: Dr. Schmit served as Director of Haiti and Director of Equipment Implementation from 2015 to 2017, where he contributed to radiology development in Haiti.
- MediMint and Emagine Solutions Technology: Dr. Schmit currently serves as a medical advisor to these healthcare technology startups.
In addition, HRD Corps has established a global network of radiology professionals, clinicians, and organizations, working together to ensure that healthcare systems in LICs are equipped with both the technology and knowledge necessary for sustainable growth.
Accolades & Recognitions in Global Health/Surgery
Dr. Schmit has been recognized for his leadership in global radiology and healthcare capacity development, particularly for his work with HRD Corps. Some key accolades include:
- Founding HRD Corps, which has successfully donated and implemented millions of dollars in radiology equipment in regions of need.
- Spearheading the Precision Charity model, ensuring a sustainable, client-centered approach to radiology capacity building.
- Partnering with Cure Women’s Cancer to develop new breast cancer detection paradigms in Togo.
His cross-cultural expertise and innovative approach to healthcare have earned him recognition as a leader in global health, particularly in the radiology and medical imaging fields. Dr. Schmit’s vision and dedication continue to make a significant impact on improving healthcare accessibility in resource-limited regions.