September 13, 2021

The Ongoing Success of #SBISummerSeries

By Alisha Rathi, MD

A live, weekly panel series from the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) features discussions from prominent breast imagers throughout the United States on varying, innovative topics in breast imaging.

The 2021 #SBISummerSeries included sessions for members at all stages of training. Below are a few of the sessions (and a quick recap of their content) this year included:

COVID-19 update: screening + vaccine:

  • Many practices had to shut down screening mammography practices during the initial rise of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, practices throughout the country have instituted safety practices and protocols to accommodate patients unable to undergo screening mammography during the rise

All-virtual fellowship interview season: what worked, what didn’t:

  • Featured attendings, fellowship program directors and residents who recently went through the application process.
  • Some programs collaborated with Graduate Medical Education and Media Relations teams for assistance with video tour.
  • Working with institution’s residency program to see what applications/software were successful with residency interviews.
  • PowerPoint presentation to discuss fellowship, didactics, call schedule, salary and other logistics. Some programs did these presentations during interview day and others sent the presentations prior to the interview.
  • Sent a pre-recorded “Meet the Faculty” session video to interviewees.
  • Conducted a separate “Meet the Fellow” live session without faculty present.
  • Virtual format:
  • Pros: Less expensive, easier scheduling due to no need for travel, reduced time away from rotations.
  • Cons: Less ideal opportunity to talk to faculty, fellows, residents and technicians in person; difficulty gauging applicant interest in program.

Breast imaging education roundtable:

  • COVID-19 pandemic effects on resident education.
  • Remote learning.
  • Introducing radiology to medical students, early on.
  • Prioritizing resident education on rotations.

Risk assessment and current screening recommendations:

  • MagView.
  • Tyrer Cuzick Model.
  • Modified Gail Model.
  • Breast imagers participating in identification of high-risk patients.
  • Breast imaging team communicating results with patients.

Breast procedures:

  • Radiology/pathology correlations.
  • Different biopsy techniques.

Breast imaging toolbox:

  • Incorporating abbreviated MRI in practice.
  • Same day reading from screening mammogram.
  • ABUS vs. hand-held breast ultrasounds.
  • State policies can also influence practice of supplemental modalities.

The sessions included practicing attendings from throughout the United States who each had a different perspective and outlook on the topics based on their institution policies.

SBI posts on Facebook and Twitter offered recordings for those unable to watch the series live.

Follow SBI on Twitter @BreastImaging and SBI-RFS @SBIRFS for ongoing updates. Connect with the breast imaging community at with any questions or concerns!