Dr. Karla Sepulveda sits down with SBI Past President Dr. Margarita Zuley for a special live episode at the 2025 SBI Breast Imaging Symposium. 

Contrast-enhanced mammography stands poised to revolutionize breast imaging by combining high sensitivity with improved efficiency. Dr. Margarita Zulli shares her journey from early research in 2016 to today's clinical implementation, revealing how this technology matches MRI's disease extent assessment while offering better specificity.

The traditional breast imaging approach—what Dr. Zulli calls the "linear care model"—creates significant burdens through multiple appointments spanning screening, diagnostic workup, biopsy, and additional imaging. This fragmented process strains both patients and healthcare systems with repeated scheduling, transportation, and extended anxiety waiting for results. Contrast mammography disrupts this inefficient paradigm by potentially eliminating unnecessary ultrasounds of low-suspicion areas and reducing supplemental MRIs, allowing for more immediate, accurate care decisions.

Beyond operational benefits, contrast mammography addresses healthcare disparities by providing advanced imaging capabilities at lower costs. Research shows women of color and those from rural areas face significant barriers completing follow-up care after abnormal mammograms. CEM, combining screening and diagnostic capabilities in one more affordable test, helps level the playing field with accessible advanced imaging.

The conversation expands to discuss remote diagnostic interpretations, an innovation accelerated during COVID that allows radiologists to perform consultations from home workstations. After five years of implementation, including hiring a radiologist living six hours from the medical center, the practice reports no differences in quality metrics or patient satisfaction. This approach grants radiologists greater control over their work environment, reducing burnout while maintaining excellent care.

Listen now to understand how these innovations can transform breast imaging practice while creating more patient-centered, efficient, and equitable care systems. What we leave on patients isn't just test results—it's what Dr. Zulli powerfully describes as our "medical footprint."

This quarterly podcast will cover different breast imaging themes each year. The theme for the first year is: Breast Imaging Economics.

This specific episode highlights Economic Impact of AI on Breast Imaging. It features: Lauren Nicola, MD American College of Radiology Ultrasound Commission Chair. 

This quarterly podcast will cover different breast imaging themes each year. The theme for the first year is: Breast Imaging Economics.

Understanding the complexities of economics is vital for breast imaging radiologists to deliver quality care effectively. Our engaging conversation with Dr. Geraldine McGinty unraveled insights on financial literacy, job preparation, and the importance of price transparency in healthcare.

• Importance of financial acumen in breast imaging 
• Integrating financial education into residency training 
• Navigating job offers and contract negotiations 
• The role of trust in establishing career satisfaction 
• Understanding the dynamics of private practice versus academic roles 
• Advocating for policy changes like the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act 
• The impact of price transparency on patient care 
• Embracing leadership and activism in the radiology community

This quarterly podcast will cover different breast imaging themes each year. The theme for the first year is: Breast Imaging Economics.

Unlock the secrets behind the economics of breast imaging and its transformative impact on patient care. Join Dr. Karla Sepulveda in the debut episode of the Society of Breast Imaging podcast as she discusses the inspiration and vision that led to the creation of this series. This episode sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the financial challenges in breast radiology, with esteemed guest Dr. Dana Smetherman, the new CEO of the American College of Radiology, sharing her remarkable career journey and insights into the future of radiology.

This quarterly podcast will cover different breast imaging themes each year. The theme for the first year is: Breast Imaging Economics.