SBI 2025 Symposium Highlights
The SBI 2025 Breast Imaging Symposium, held at the picturesque Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado, marked the 40th anniversary of the SBI. With nearly 1700 attendees from around the world, this historic gathering celebrated four decades of excellence and innovation in breast imaging. The theme, “40 Then, 40 Now,” captured the society’s enduring legacy and its future-focused mission.
The program, expertly curated by the SBI Symposium Planning Committee—led by Program Chair and incoming President Dr. Peter Eby and Scientific Chair Dr. Gary Whitman—delivered impactful sessions on artificial intelligence (AI), screening access and equity, cryoablation, and interdisciplinary care. Highlights included engaging case challenges, an expanded career development track, and a spirited SBI talent show, leaving attendees energized and inspired for the next 40 years.
SBI: 40 Then, 40 Now, and So Much More
Thursday’s theme, “40 Then, 40 Now, and So Much More,” reflected SBI’s legacy while setting a bold tone for the future of breast imaging. The morning opened with a welcome from Dr. Peter Eby, followed by a practical and engaging plenary session, “Creating a Practical Algorithm for Supplemental Screening,” delivered by Drs. Sarah Friedewald, Paula Gordon, Christopher Comstock, Margarita Zuley, and Bethany Niell. Equity and access were front and center as Dr. John Scheel discussed strategies for expanding screening to underserved populations and Dr. Avice O’Connell presented data-driven guidance on transgender screening. The keynote advocacy session, “The Changes We Fought For and the Patients Who Benefited,” brought together a powerhouse panel: JoAnn Pushkin and Drs. Ann Brown, Georgia Spear, Paula Gordon, Rachel Brem, and Lisa Mullen.
SBI President Dr. Linda Moy closed the session by presenting the SBI Gold Medal to Dr. Paula Gordon and the Honorary Fellow Award to JoAnn Pushkin, recognizing their outstanding contributions to breast imaging advocacy, education, and patient care that embody the mission of the society.
The afternoon featured a dynamic array of sessions reflecting the breadth of interests across the SBI community. The first-ever cryoablation course debuted to great enthusiasm, with expert faculty offering hands-on instruction in this emerging technique. Drs. Rifat Wahab and Tanya Moseley presented case-based challenges in mammography and ultrasound-guided biopsy, and Drs. Katja Pinker-Domenig and Yiming Gao guided attendees through advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocols. In the popular “Common Clinical Conundrums” session, Drs. Jay Baker and Amy Fowler addressed complex diagnostic dilemmas with clarity and nuance. Concurrent scientific sessions showcased cutting-edge research and innovation, with a session focusing on AI led by Drs. Jennifer Harvey and Stephen Seiler and a session on advancements in MRI and mammography chaired by Drs. Gary Whitman and Manisha Bahl. Equity and communication were key themes of the afternoon. Drs. Wendi Owen and Oreoluwa Ojutiku explored ways to support rural and urban practices, and Drs. Caroline Daly and Katerina Dodelzon underscored the impact of clear, patient-centered communication in the session “Language Matters.” For those navigating professional transitions, “Mid-Career Crisis,” led by Drs. Priscilla Slanetz and Nina Watson, provided thoughtful guidance. The day concluded with the welcome reception and talent show, a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and connection.
Breast Health is a Team Sport
Friday’s sessions underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in breast cancer care. In the plenary session, “Breast Cancer Patients Need a Team,” Drs. Niel Taunk, Susan Lester, Ana Lourenco, Claudine Isaacs, Susan Boolbol, and Kenneth Fan shared insights on team-based, patient-centered approaches. A mock tumor board that followed offered attendees a realistic look at multidisciplinary decision-making in action.
The morning continued with focused clinical updates. Dr. Laurie Margolies presented emerging insights on breast arterial calcifications, and Dr. Sujata Ghate discussed best practices in method-of-detection reporting. Drs. Samantha Heller and Susan Boolbol concluded the session with an overview of the latest SBI and American Society of Breast Surgeons guidelines for managing high-risk lesions.
The afternoon offered sessions focused on practice improvement and global outreach. Drs. Bhavika Patel and Janice Sung shared practical strategies for adopting contrast-enhanced mammography, and Drs. Rich Ellis and Christine Edmonds discussed optimizing workflow and maintaining clinical quality. Drs. Victoria Mango and Wei-Tse Yang spotlighted SBI’s growing international partnerships, reflecting the society’s expanding global reach.
The day concluded with a sold-out president’s dinner celebrating outgoing President Dr. Linda Moy and honoring Dr. Paula Gordon (Gold Medal) and JoAnn Pushkin (Honorary Fellow) for their exceptional contributions to the field. The evening marked SBI’s 40th anniversary and reinforced the society’s commitment to research, education, and community. Sincere thanks to all who supported the SBI Research and Education Fund. Your generosity supports the future of breast imaging and the next generation of leaders.
The Future of Breast Radiology is Now
Saturday’s sessions looked ahead with energy and vision, highlighting innovations in clinical practice and research. The morning began with a spirited debate (“Should I Invest in AI Now, or Wait?”) between Drs. Jean Seely and Etta Pisano, who offered contrasting perspectives on the timing of AI adoption. Dr. Tejas Mehta followed with a thoughtful discussion on the ethical and equitable use of algorithms, and Dr. Rachel Brem provided practical strategies for integrating AI into clinical workflows.
The “Best Science of SBI” plenary session showcased pioneering research from Drs. Lin Gu, Emily Knippa, and Bohwa Choi, who discussed advances in breast imaging science. Dr. Ruud Pijnappel offered a global perspective by sharing European approaches to screening and care. The session concluded with the introduction of the SBI Research and Education Fund grant program, a new initiative to support early-stage, patient-centered research, by Dr. Robert Nishikawa.
Afternoon sessions focused on professional development and real-world applications, with dedicated trainee and early career tracks supporting participants at pivotal career stages. The trainee track featured the inaugural resident and fellow challenging case competition (led by Drs. Rend Al-Khalili and John Lewin), which combined friendly competition with peer learning to deliver high-impact education. Drs. Samantha Zuckerman and Bonnie Joe offered practical advice on maximizing fellowship training and preparing for the transition to independent practice. The early career track addressed essential topics for new attending physicians, including mentorship and sponsorship, financial literacy, avoiding legal pitfalls, maintaining wellness, and preventing burnout. The afternoon concluded with a well-attended joint reception for the Resident and Fellow Section and the Young Physician Section, fostering community and connection.
Back to the Fundamentals
Sunday’s theme, “The Rules of Breast Radiology,” closed the symposium with a return to foundational principles. A focused session on BI-RADS offered timely updates and reinforced standardized reporting practices. A crowd favorite was “Dear Jessica Leung,” in which Dr. Leung answered some of the audience’s pressing and perplexing imaging questions in her signature engaging style.
The meeting ended with “Family Feud,” an interactive, game-show-style session that combined high energy, friendly competition, and key takeaways from the week, leaving attendees informed and uplifted as they headed home.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 symposium was a vibrant tribute to 40 years of progress, grounded in the society’s mission to reduce the impact of breast cancer through early detection, excellence in education, and scientific advancement. With record attendance, cutting-edge sessions, and expanded programming for trainees and early career radiologists, the meeting reflected a society that continues to grow, lead, and inspire. Thank you to everyone who made this symposium a success, from the dedicated organizers to the engaged attendees. We look forward to seeing you in Seattle in 2026! 
By Shuchi Zinzuawdia, MD
Radiology Resident, Johns Hopkins University