RSNA Member Spotlight: Jesse M. Conyers, MD

Jesse M. Conyers, MD, is a diagnostic radiologist specializing in breast imaging at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

Dr. Conyers earned her medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed an internship and residency at University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, and a fellowship in breast imaging at Emory. Currently, Dr. Conyers is earning a Master of Business Administration at Emory University Goizueta Business School.

What or who sparked your interest in radiology?

I first became interested in radiology in college at Wake Forest University when I did an independent study course on MRI physics with Dr. Thomas Milner, a neuroradiologist. I loved working with Dr. Milner and learning not just about the physics of MRI, but also anatomy and pathology, in the reading room. At the time I knew I wanted to go to medical school. When I graduated from college, Dr. Milner’s wife strongly encouraged me to consider radiology as a specialty because, as she said, “Radiology is an excellent career for women in medicine.” It turns out she was right.

When I was in medical school, I was also very inspired by Dr. Carolyn Meltzer. At an American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) annual meeting, Dr. Meltzer gave a presentation on women in radiology, and during her talk she showed CT images of an orange. I remember being captivated by the beauty of the images of the orange and fascinated by the detail which could be seen by the radiologist. I also remember feeling inspired seeing a small woman like me as a powerful radiologist and thinking, “if she can become a radiologist, I think I can too.” There is something incredibly powerful in being able to see your future in someone else, which is why I strongly believe in representation in medicine and radiology.

What has been the best professional accomplishment in your career?

Given that I am still early in my career as a breast imager, I have been very intentional on working to become the best clinical breast imager I can be. I am constantly reading, learning, following up on cases and honing my procedural and diagnostic skills. I also continuously work on developing effective communication skills with my patients, colleagues and staff. While I have been recognized for my teaching skills and clinical service on local and national committees, I consider my greatest professional accomplishment to be the high quality, patient-centered, compassionate care I provide to my patients.