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Breast Imaging Rotation

Expectations of Residents in the the Breast Imaging Rotation

The Breast Imaging Section at NYU is staffed by six ACR certified physicians dedicated to this subspecialty. Radiology residents obtain their breast imaging training primarily at Bellevue Hospital, at our state of the art Rita Kaplan Breast Imaging Center. There is also opportunity to view breast cases from the NYU Cancer Institute and the Gouverneur Hospital. This combination of hospital and outpatient facilities provides exposure to a wide range of patients with varying pathology.

NYU is equipped with the latest in both FFDM (full field digital mammography) as well as standard analog units. We have teleradiology partnership with the Gouveneur Hospital that allows us to review these cases and to perform remote consultations. Dedicated breast sonography is available for additional imaging evaluation and procedure guidance. A prone stereotaxic biopsy table provides further biopsy capability of non-palpable breast lesions.

All resident and fellow training is in full compliance with the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). Radiology level PGY 2 through 4 are gradually introduced to mammography image interpretation skills, both screening and diagnostic studies. Patients’ clinical management is discussed throughout the work day. Residents are actively involved in the review and interpretation of mammograms and breast ultrasounds. Residents have ample opportunity to perform all aspects of interventional procedures, in accordance with PGY experience. These procedures include needle localizations, fine needle aspirations, and core biopsies.

Residents and fellows also attend our weekly multidisplinary breast cancer conference at Bellevue Hospital where surgeons, pathologists and oncologists discuss the management breast cancer in individual patients. At this meeting, residents and fellows give formal case presentations. There is also an opportunity to participate in the weekly breast surgery clinic where we collaborate with the surgeons to discuss and coordinate care for a comprehensive spectrum of breast diseases.

MRI of the breast is available for patients that require this examination for their complete standard of care at both Bellevue Hospital and at Tisch Hospital. Daily interpretation of these studies takes place at Tisch Hospital in conjunction with the body MRI department.

Our attendings are involved in many aspects of breast imaging research, particularly in the field of MRI, with the availability of two 3 Tesla magnets, a 7 Tesla and tumor spectroscopy. We strongly encourage participation in these research efforts.