Love of Patient Care Drives These Breast Imagers
Breast Cancer Awareness Month focuses attention in October on early detection, patient support, and research needs. But physicians in the breast imaging field work all year to battle a disease that affects approximately one in eight women in their lifetimes.
A few of those professionals recently shared why they got into the field and why being part of it gives them satisfaction.
Shadi Aminololama-Shakeri, MD
UC Davis Health
“Having been an internist first before switching to radiology training, I knew that I wanted some connection to direct patient care as a radiologist. During residency, I was intellectually intrigued by different subspecialties in radiology like neuroradiology, cardiothoracic radiology, and even interventional radiology. Even though I was drawn to breast imaging early on, I avoided it at first not wanting to let go of all the other fields in radiology. But I couldn’t resist it in the end! I pursued breast imaging initially because I loved the idea of the diagnostic and interventional skills used daily in the care of patients. What has kept me here has been the deep satisfaction I derive from the sense of truly making a difference in our patients’ lives with our daily work. Twenty plus years since changing my path in medicine and I still wake up with excitement to see what the day brings in clinic!”
Alison Chetlen, MD
Penn State Health
“I chose the field of breast imaging radiology because I enjoyed caring for patients in both diagnostic and procedural settings and I especially loved the daily direct patient care. Breast imaging is a ‘team sport’ because we critically evaluate each patient’s case and problem-solve with our multidisciplinary team of surgeons and oncologists to create personalized management plans that work for each patient. My patients’ stories stick with me; their experiences and journeys shape who I am and how I practice medicine. I am with my patients from the beginning of their diagnosis, through their biopsy and presurgical workups, and then I care for them as a survivor — what a humbling experience. I am honored to work as a breast imaging radiologist and can’t wait to see what the next few years bring in advancements in care.”
Lea Gilliland, MD
Emory Winship Cancer Institute
“I chose breast imaging because I loved the procedures and the relationships I built with patients. I enjoy the logic behind each exam, the patient interactions, and the teamwork it requires. I feel fortunate to practice in such a meaningful field.”
Christopher Ho, MD
Emory School of Medicine
“I was inspired to pursue a career in breast imaging because I enjoyed working with and advocating for the patient population after my mother’s experiences with breast cancer. My mentors played a large role in supporting this career path. To this day, I still love interacting with our breast imaging patients on a personal level.”
Brandi Nicholson, MD
Charlottesville Radiology
“I chose breast imaging because it has a nice mix of patient interaction, procedures, and imaging interpretation. Since most scenarios turn out positive, it is great to help women learn that they do not have cancer. I also feel good when I can help women (and occasionally men) who are dealing with a new cancer diagnosis by accurately staging their disease, doing procedures that are as painless and pleasant as possible, and being one of the first people they talk to about their diagnosis. I get to provide hope to most and set them up for their best care plan by doing all the necessary imaging and biopsies.”
Yari Feliciano Rivera, MD
Cleveland Clinic
“I find it particularly rewarding to detect breast cancer at an early stage, when timely diagnosis can significantly impact treatment and outcomes. I value the opportunity to guide patients through what can be a stressful and emotional experience by providing accurate diagnoses, clear communication, and compassionate care.”
