Most experienced team in region adds third fellowship trained mammographer

URBANA, IL – The number of mammograms performed at Carle Clinic from January to May has increased 9.6 percent since last year. The Clinic’s main campus in Urbana reported 7,188 breast screenings in the first five months of 2009, an increase from 6,558 in the first five months of 2008.

With the addition of April Durand, MD, a radiologist fellowship trained in breast imaging, to the team of fellowship trained mammographers Mitchell Sussman, MD, and Stephanie Weber, MD, Carle Clinic now has the largest, most experienced mammography team in central Illinois to accommodate the increased demand for breast screenings.

According to Dr. Sussman, division head of Breast Imaging, the rise in breast screenings can be attributed to several factors, including the expertise of physicians to state-of-the-art technology and facilities at Carle Clinic. 

“Through our program, mammograms are evaluated by radiologists who are exclusively dedicated to interpreting images of the detection of breast abnormalities,” Dr. Sussman said. 

Dr. Durand, who joined Carle Clinic in July after training with leading breast imaging expert Edward Sickles, MD, at the University of California – San Francisco, one of the top- rated breast imaging programs in the nation, is a strong advocate that early detection saves lives.

“It is essential women over the age of 40 as well as women with a strong family history of breast cancer get annual mammograms,” Dr. Durand said. “At Carle Clinic, our breast imaging experts combined with the latest advancements in screening and diagnostic tools provide patients with a higher quality of care.”

Carle Clinic is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in breast ultrasound, mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy and ultrasound-guided breast imaging, and is designated by the ACR as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. 

Call (217) 326-1894 to schedule a mammogram at Carle Clinic’s main campus in Urbana or Carle Clinic – Danville on Fairchild or visit www.carle-clinic.com/radiology to learn more about Carle Clinic Breast Imaging.