Diagnostic Radiology - Breast Radiology

Catalog description

This elective is designed for 4th-year medical students and introduces them to a range of screening and diagnostic breast imaging modalities, as well as basic anatomy and an introduction to breast procedures. The student observes the daily schedule in the Liberty Hospital Breast Care Center, including digital mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and image-guided procedures. The student will understand the basic management of benign and malignant breast disease as well as the interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of breast cancer, as they will also spend time in departments that comprise the interdisciplinary team, such as pathology, breast oncology, breast surgery, radiation oncology, and genetics. Students will learn effective interpersonal communication skills through exposure to patients and families from a broad range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. As a result, students will also be exposed to the influence of social factors, the role of cultural competency, sensitivity, and the impact of health care disparities in the context of breast imaging and care. Students will also be exposed to difficult patient encounters and delivering bad news. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Year 3 Clerkships.