Finding Inspiration for the Next Generation of Breast Radiologists

Leveraging Society Membership for Career Development

A breast radiologist who is early in their career will be faced with many opportunities that can be both challenging and rewarding. It is helpful to be aware of the resources available in the breast imaging field. Specialty society membership provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. Connections and relationships can be made with other breast radiologists at differing career stages, presenting opportunities to develop mentor-mentee relationships with experienced members and peer-to-peer relationships with colleagues who may have similar professional experiences. The resources available through society membership can assist in career development and help navigate academic and private practice settings.

Patient-centered Care: Value Added by Breast Radiologists in the Management of Breast Pain

With the shift of the healthcare system toward patient-centered, value-based care, the role of the breast radiologist is essential and increasingly multifaceted. Beyond sole image interpreters, breast radiologists serve as subject matter experts within multidisciplinary care teams, acting as advocates and initiators into the healthcare system and providing patient-centered care through effective communication and patient education. These vital roles are well demonstrated through the imaging evaluation and management of the most common breast symptom that affects the majority of the patient population-mastalgia. By leveraging the opportunities provided during the evaluation of the symptomatic breast to optimize patient communication and education, as well as integration of care delivery, breast radiologists add significant value to patient care and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The Economic Impact of AI on Breast Imaging

This article explores the development of computer-aided detection (CAD) and artificial or augmented intelligence (AI) for breast radiology examinations and describes the current applications of AI in breast imaging. Although radiologists in other subspecialties may be less familiar with the use of these technologies in their practices, CAD has been used in breast imaging for more than two decades, as mammography CAD programs have been commercially available in the United States since the late 1990s. Likewise, breast radiologists have seen payment for CAD in mammography and breast MRI evolve over time. With the rapid expansion of AI products in radiology in recent years, many new applications for these technologies in breast imaging have emerged. This article outlines the current state of reimbursement for breast radiology AI algorithms within the traditional fee-for-service model used by Medicare and commercial insurers as well as potential future payment pathways. In addition, the inherent challenges of employing the existing payment framework in the United States to AI programs in radiology are detailed for the reader. This article aims to give breast radiologists a better understanding of how AI will be reimbursed as they seek to further incorporate these emerging technologies into their practices to advance patient care and improve workflow efficiency.

Breast Imaging Fellowship Match: Applicants' Perspectives of Years Two and Three

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to summarize the results of a survey distributed by the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) to assess applicants' experience with the 2018 and 2019 Breast Imaging Fellowship Match process.

METHODS

In this institutional review board-exempt study, the SBI issued an anonymous survey to all matched applicants in an attempt to gauge their experience with the 2018 and 2019 Match process.

RESULTS

The survey was sent to all 2018 and 2019 matched applicants and 105/236 (45%) responses were received. The majority (75%, 79/105) of respondents reported a positive experience with the Match, with at least a 4/5 rating, and only 3% (5/105) reported a rating below 3/5. There was some improvement in 2019, with 86% (24/28) of respondents reporting at least a 4/5 rating compared to 71% (55/77) in 2018. No respondent reported a score below a 3/5 rating in 2019. The most commonly cited issues with the Match were the timing of the Match process, the need for a universal application, and the burden of travel. Location and program reputation were the two most important factors contributing to the final rank order of programs.

CONCLUSION

The great majority of applicants felt that the Match created a positive experience. Planned areas of improvement include the implementation of a universal application, the transition to virtual interviews, and a condensed timeline. These measures are likely to increase applicant satisfaction and provide a fair and efficient experience for future breast radiologists.