Lawrence W. Bassett MD, Abstract Co-Author: Scientific Advisory Committee, Hologic, Inc

Chris Bent BS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

James Sayre PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roslynn Marzan, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Anita Verma, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Courtney Porter, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To investigate the training and attitudes of senior residents regarding breast imaging.

An internet survey was conducted with a chief or senior resident (postgraduate medical school year 5) at 201 radiology programs in North America. Topics of the survey included organization of breast imaging rotations, residents’ responsibilities during rotations, clinical practice protocols of the institutions, residents’ individual impressions regarding breast imaging, and their interest in performing breast imaging after residency. Results of the survey were compared to a previous survey completed by residents eight years prior.

Of 201 training programs, 200(99.5%) had dedicated breast imaging rotations; 190(95%) totaled 12 weeks or longer, 39(19%) totaled 16 weeks or longer. Residents dictated mammography reports in 183(91%) programs. Residents regularly performed: a) real-time ultrasound(US) in 138(69%) programs; b) cyst aspiration in 150(75%) programs; c) needle localization in 159(79%) programs; d) US-guided biopsy in 154(77%) programs; and e) stereotactically guided biopsy in 145(72%) programs. 162(81%) residents reported mammogram interpretation to be more stressful than interpretation of other imaging studies. 143(71%) believed breast imaging subspecialists should interpret mammograms. However, 104(52%) would not consider pursuing a breast imaging fellowship, and 103(51%) would not want to spend a significant portion(>25%) of their clinical practice interpreting mammograms. The most common reasons cited for not considering a fellowship or desiring to interpret mammograms continue to be a lack of interest in the field, a fear of lawsuits, and the stressful nature of the job. Breast imaging fellowships were offered at 79 programs.  

Residency programs have increased time devoted to breast imaging and made improvements in parts of their curricula, but current residents report decreased opportunities to perform some studies and procedures. Although a majority of the residents still would not consider a fellowship and did not want to interpret mammograms in their future practices, the percentage of residents who would not consider breast imaging has decreased.

An accurate picture of current breast imaging curricula and variations among residency programs is necessary to identify and correct systemic problems to improve the training of future breast imagers.

Bassett, L, Bent, C, Sayre, J, Marzan, R, Verma, A, Porter, C, Survey of Senior Radiology Residents: Breast Imaging Training and Attitudes—An 8-year Update.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8008185.html