During Women in Medicine Month, UCSF Radiology & Biomedical Imaging highlights the contributions of women advancing radiology, including Maggie Chung, MD, and Rita Freimanis, MD, who are making significant strides in breast cancer imaging and personalized risk assessment.
AI-Driven Breast Imaging and Personalized Risk Assessment
Dr. Maggie Chung, an assistant professor in the Breast Imaging division at UCSF, is combining clinical care with research to improve patient outcomes. Her research focuses on evaluating AI applications in breast imaging, including using deep learning to simulate contrast-enhanced breast MRI images from pre-contrast images. This innovative approach aims to eliminate the need for contrast injections, reducing patient discomfort and improving accessibility to MRI exams.
"Women in medicine juggle a lot," says Chung, emphasizing the importance of mentorship. She is also developing image-based AI tools for personalized risk assessment of breast cancer and leading clinical trials to evaluate their benefits. Her goal is to make personalized risk assessment a reality for women, allowing for more tailored screening and prevention strategies.
Optimizing Breast Cancer Screening Technologies
Dr. Rita Freimanis, a breast imaging specialist with over 30 years of experience, has witnessed the increasing prominence of women in medicine. She is currently studying 2D and 3D digital mammography to determine which is better for breast cancer screening. As the site PI at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) for the tomosynthesis mammographic imaging screening trial (TMIST), sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Freimanis aims to identify the most effective technology for women without symptoms.
"Every picture that we look at, every radiograph or scan, has a person behind it—a person with a whole complex history, personality, and genetics—you have to think about what’s behind the picture," says Freimanis, highlighting her commitment to patient-centered care. The TMIST trial has received awards for diversity of recruitment, reflecting Freimanis's dedication to inclusive research.
Mentorship and the Future of Breast Imaging
Both Dr. Chung and Dr. Freimanis emphasize the importance of mentorship and curiosity in their careers. Chung credits her mentors, including Bonnie Joe, MD, PhD, Chief of Breast Imaging, and Jane Wang, MD, Chief of Abdominal Imaging, for their invaluable guidance. Freimanis advises women considering a career in medicine to "let your curiosity guide you," embracing change and continuously learning new techniques.
As she prepares for semi-retirement, Freimanis hopes she has contributed to making the healthcare experience better for patients, infusing care with more humane and compassionate practices. Both radiologists are dedicated to advancing the field of breast imaging and improving patient outcomes through innovative research and personalized care.
