In the spring of 2023, Dianah was working at a hospital in Kendu, Homa Bay as a sonographer, receiving one positive review after another from patients. “I loved working at that hospital, that’s where I was introduced to the echocardiography program and I was entranced. I began studying intensely. I wanted to know everything about echocardiographs–scans of the heart–because I could see how much their results bring change to the lives of patients.”
At that time, Dianah was voluntarily handing out sanitary towels and other menstruation supplies to secondary schools when she first heard about Lwala Community Alliance. “I was so eager to learn more about Lwala’s programs. Knowing that successful sexual and reproductive health initiatives, such as making information and essential supplies accessible to youth, have a direct, positive impact on maternal and birth outcomes. This work aligned with my interest in sonography and medical imaging. I wanted to be working in a place where holistic care was the goal.”
When Dianah saw the advertisement for the sonographer position at Lwala she applied, knowing competition would be fierce. A few weeks after her interview, after proving her expertise through practical assessments, Dianah became the sole sonographer at Lwala Community Hospital.
As a child she loved math and wanted to be an accountant. Later, she was mocked in high school for taking physics, which was considered an interest for men. But Dianah wasn’t discouraged. She knew she wanted to do medicine as a career and was lucky to have a friend who encouraged her to ignore the mocking and follow her heart. She went to Kenya Medical Training College in Eldoret for Imaging Sciences and became a Specialized Radiosonographer.
“I love performing ultrasounds because every day it changes. This keeps me on my toes! If you scan something today it’s not the same tomorrow, so you have to keep reading, keep studying.” Dianah scours books, medical journals, online videos, and regularly trades case notes with a U.S.-based sonographer, enamored with the continuous research of being a full-time sonographer.
Dianah instituted the regular practice of three obstetric scans for pregnant women who come to Lwala Community Hospital, one each trimester. Information she derives from any of these three scans help Dianah and the health team determine high risk conditions and save lives. In a given month, Dianah will perform around 350 ultrasounds, or 15-20 per day.
“Dianah treats every patient with respect and dignity. Regardless of the situation, she offers assurance and hope to her patients. She teaches us not only the technical aspects of performing scans but also about how to talk to patients–dispelling myths regarding ultrasound and assuaging fears by sharing accurate information. Her warm smile puts women at ease.”
- Lavender Atieno Olande, Clinical Officer and one of Dianah’s sonography mentees
“My philosophy is simple: do what should be done. It has helped me overcome so many things,” she says. “You find yourself doing the right thing even if no one is watching.”
