Liane Philpotts, MD, FACR

Liane E. Philpotts, MD, did her medical and residency training at McGill University and has spent her professional career at Yale University, where she is currently a Professor of Diagnostic Radiology and Breast Imaging Section Chief, Eastern Region. Her main interests have focused on breast interventional procedures and outcomes, screening breast ultrasound, and breast tomosynthesis. Yale was one of the first sites in the country to utilize and publish studies on breast tomosynthesis.

The co-author of Breast Tomosynthesis (Elsevier 2018), she is leading efforts at Yale to study how 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) is transforming breast imaging and aiding in early breast cancer detection. Currently she is studying applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in breast imaging.

“To patients, a 3D mammogram feels exactly the same as 2D,” Dr. Philpotts says, but for the radiologist, being able to view breast tissue in “slices” makes 3D mammography interpretation more accurate. “And with breast cancer, early detection is key,” she says.

She urges women to make their breast health a priority and consider having regular mammograms. “Many patients will want to begin screening mammography in their 40s, so have a discussion with your health care provider,” she says.