By Dr Evelyn Ho

More than 200 delegates descended on Pan Pacific Glenmarie, Shah Alam to attend a Breast Imaging Course organised jointly by the College of Radiology, Academy of Medicine of Malaysia and the Singapore Radiological Society. About half of the delegates were radiographers or radiology technologists and there were surgeons in our midst as well.

Sessions on quality assurance were included in addition to technical aspects in the production of good quality mammograms. Hands-on workshops were held for radiographers as well as interactive master classes and hands-on biopsy workshops for radiologists and surgeons. There were concurrent film (mammograms) quiz and an exhibition of ultrasound equipment and display of a variety of biopsy needles.

Invited speakers from Australia, Singapore and local speakers were amongst those sharing their knowledge and experience, tips and tricks with the delegates. The course attracted foreign delegates from Thailand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Indonesia.

The course was held to ensure continuing professional development and improvement in the quality of mammography services amongst the radiologists and radiographers. It was obvious the participants were going to get the most out of this course as even at 4 pm on a Sunday afternoon, the workshop hall was full of people eager to try out ultrasound guided biopsy on phantom “breasts”.