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In This Issue:
Lee Bell Center staff, from left, include, Donna Malin, RT(M), Robyn L. Birdwell, MD, FACR, Marci Beaulieu, RT(M), Lelia Cabrera, Jazmine Sneed RT(M), Thelma Millard, RT(M), and Chris Macdonald RT(M).
When the Lee Bell Breast Imaging Center opened its doors Saturday, June 27, for its first Employee Screening Mammography Day, 23 women took advantage of the special weekend appointments.
“We were really pleased with the turnout,” said Director of Breast Imaging Robyn L. Birdwell, MD, FACR. “One of the reasons why a lot of women don’t get annual screening mammograms is that they don’t feel like they have enough time for an appointment. BWH employees have an advantage in that services are right here where they work.”
Receptionist Lelia Cabrera welcomed patients and offered muffins and coffee. Staff were well-prepared for each patient, having already gathered prior films to ensure appointments ran efficiently.
“From the time the patient’s name is called, screening mammograms take only 20 minutes,” said Chief Technologist Jane Pietrantonio. “The mammographers, with the help of the front desk staff, do a great job of working quickly while being extremely thorough. We almost always get a good image in a very short amount of time.”
Many of the women expressed sincere gratitude. “The staff were very friendly and efficient,” Karen Lane, RN, said. “I was able to come in at 10:15 and be at work in the PACU at 11 a.m.”
Employees can call the center in the morning and set up an appointment for their lunch break or at the end of their shift.
“It’s one of the few imaging procedures that does not require a referral, so anyone who had their last mammogram a year or more ago can schedule the appointment themselves,” Birdwell said.
The American Cancer Society recommends that asymptomatic women aged 40 and above without a personal history of breast cancer should have annual screening mammograms.
“I can’t stress enough how focused and ready we are to ensure the breast health of all of the women working for BWH,” Birdwell said.
Call 617-732-6248 to reserve an appointment.