Breast Imager Committed to Making Patient Experience Less Intimidating

By Catherine McNulty, MD

I was drawn to breast imaging because it combines so many of the things I love about radiology — imaging, procedures, and meaningful patient interaction.

Breast imaging can be an incredibly anxiety-provoking experience for patients, whether they’re coming in for a routine screening or navigating a new breast cancer diagnosis. I value being able to make those experiences a little less scary: reassuring patients when I can, helping them understand what we’re seeing and what comes next, and making procedures as comfortable as possible.

It became especially meaningful to me after a family member went through breast cancer. She told me about two very different experiences she had with radiologists during her care — one very positive and one very negative — and how much those interactions affected her. It really reinforced for me that even though we may only be with a patient for a short part of their journey, the way we communicate with them and care for them can leave a lasting impression.

I also think creating a positive experience is particularly important in breast imaging because we want patients to keep coming back (so if we find something, we find it early). Screening mammography isn’t anyone’s favorite activity, and it can be uncomfortable and nerve-wracking. If we can make patients feel supported, make them laugh, explain things in a way that makes sense, or simply make an uncomfortable procedure a little easier, hopefully they leave feeling that coming back for their next exam is something they can handle.

Ultimately, I love being able to practice radiology while also getting to know and support patients as people. That combination is what made breast imaging feel like the right fit for me.

Dr. McNulty is a radiologist and assistant clinical professor of breast and acute care imaging at UCLA Health. After growing up in Pittsburgh, she earned her undergraduate and medical degrees at Tulane, finished her intern year at Baylor in Houston, and completed her diagnostic radiology residency at UCLA Health.