Breast Imaging: Curriculum
This fellowship consists of in-depth training in all aspects of breast imaging. The University of Michigan’s Comprehensive Cancer Center is a designated National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) site. The Breast Care Center at the University provides care and/or consultation for approximately 700 new cancer patients per year (internal and external referrals). Fourteen fellowship-trained MQSA-certified breast radiologists provide diagnostic imaging services in two facilities (10 minutes apart driving distance) in Ann Arbor. Four additional imaging sites perform offline screening mammograms. Radiologists perform diagnostic ultrasounds (rather than breast sonographers). Fellows will acquire experience in these screening and diagnostic studies. Ample opportunities are provided to gain experience in procedure techniques. Greater than 500 wire localizations, 900 core biopsies, and 400 aspiration procedures are performed per year using mammographic, sonographic, or MRI guidance. Other procedures include galactography and axillary lymph node biopsy. State-of-the-art equipment includes 12 FDA approved full field digital mammography units, 5 ultrasound units with high resolution transducers and Doppler capabilities, prone digital biopsy table, vacuum assisted core biopsy capabilities, and a 3 Tesla Phillips magnet with dedicated 16-channel breast coil.
Fellows routinely participate in a weekly multidisciplinary breast tumor board during which management of new cancer cases are discussed by leaders in surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology and radiology. Fellows also routinely attend and participate in weekly breast imaging conferences including radiology-pathology correlation, journal club, and interesting case conference.
