RSNA Global Learning Centers Expand Training in Women's Health

During Women's Health Month, RSNA News highlights the pivotal role radiology plays in support of women's health. This is the third of three stories. Read parts one and two

When the faculty teams met to determine education needs at the RSNA Global Learning Center (GLC) at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital at the University of Indonesia (FKUI/RSCM) in Jakarta, one area kept coming up: training in women’s breast imaging.

Recently, Stefanie Woodard, DO, associate professor of radiology at the University of Alabama Birmingham, visited Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital as a guest lecturer. She provided three days of in-person lectures on a variety of breast imaging topics, including the use of imaging equipment, such as US, MRI and mammography, as well as discussions about specific diagnoses.

“The women’s imaging curriculum at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital is focused mostly on ultrasound and on diagnostic imaging. The primary work done in the breast imaging section is management of both benign lesions and advanced cancers,” Dr. Woodard said. “During my lecture, the residents asked excellent questions especially on breast MRI, including MRI techniques and utility of various sequences.”

Wei Yang, MD, chair, Department of Breast Imaging, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, visited last fall to also provide onsite education.

“The areas of greatest interest at the hospital are appropriate use criteria for routine breast imaging modalities, indications for biopsy, radiologic-pathologic concordance and next steps in management,” Dr. Yang said. “We also discussed multidisciplinary management paradigms  for high-risk and cancer care, during and post-treatment, and steps to increase awareness of the benefits of early breast cancer diagnosis using screening.”

Two concerns raised by the local radiologists during these visits were patients who present in the late stages of breast  cancer, which limits the options of early intervention, and access to  care for women in rural areas.

In addition, several socioeconomic issues can prevent women from seeking health care.

“The biggest socioeconomic barriers to consistent quality health are are the asymmetric social demographics and complex geographic limitations,” Dr. Yang said. “Patient education, especially through health fairs and women’s health education forums, can educate the next generation of women who can become ‘chief health officers’ for each family unit.”

During her visit, Dr. Woodard noticed that the hospital is well equipped to continue caring for its female patients, but there were some areas where they could use some help and additional training.

“In order to begin breast imaging-guided procedures, they would need the appropriate equipment, such as biopsy needles and clips, and would need the support of breast surgeons,” Dr. Woodard said.

Dr. Yang agrees and sees additional needs.

“It is important to train identified health care professionals and physicians with core competencies in the interpretation of breast US to be able to participate in the delivery of timely and quality care to patients in rural areas,” Dr. Yang said.

Both Drs. Woodard and Yang would welcome the opportunity to visit again, but for the time being look forward to working with the onsite faculty during virtual workshops and seminars that will focus on a multidisciplinary approach to the management of breast lesions and diagnostic imaging modalities.