The versatile Dr. Amanda Aulls subspecializes in three radiology practice areas: Diagnostic Radiology, Neuroradiology and Breast Imaging. Dr. Aulls is the Medical Director of RAO’s Women’s Imaging Center, where she oversees the radiology team dedicated to breast imaging, image-guided biopsy, pelvic ultrasound, DEXA bone density testing and other important services. Dr. Aulls addresses questions about her role in the field.
Q: What inspired you to go into Radiology?
My grandfather was a radiologist in the Navy and, after his service, he was the first radiologist at Waterman Hospital in Eustis, Florida. Once I was in medical school, I was curious to learn more about what my grandfather did, since I was very young when he passed away. I discovered I also really enjoyed radiology, especially because the specialty had advanced drastically in the years since he practiced.
Q: What do you find most challenging in this field today?
One of the biggest challenges is related to the pandemic, and that is women postponing their routine screening mammogram because of Covid-19. Breast cancer can grow and spread quickly, and I don’t want to see women delaying screening and perhaps missing finding cancer early. We take every precaution to protect patients and our staff, so I hope women will stay on top of their breast health.
Q: Are there new technologies you are using now or see on the horizon that you find especially fascinating or exciting?
Tomosynthesis (3D mammography) is a huge advance in early detection. It provides better protection against missed cancers and false alarms. Enhanced accuracy means fewer supplementary exams and reduced patient anxiety. Even more important, the superior clarity of tomosynthesis improves our ability to discover aggressive cancer cells early, before they have a chance to spread. With advances like 3D mammography, we’re able to discover breast cancer earlier and more accurately than ever before. As a doctor, I find the improvements over conventional mammography to be substantial.
Q: What question do you often get from patients that you think needs to be addressed?
One question I get a lot is the role of the radiologist in their care. Our highly skilled technologists, who have undergone extensive education and training in the imaging technologies they utilize, perform the actual radiologic tests. The radiologist is the medical doctor who actually reads the imaging results and forms a diagnosis. Whenever needed, our radiology team works directly with a patient’s doctor to help compose a plan of treatment and monitor its efficacy. So even though you may not meet your radiologist personally, they are instrumental in your medical care.
