Naval Hospital Bremerton Mammography Suite staff radiates rave review

Photo By Douglas Stutz | Coined for caring… mammography administrator Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyra James (left) and mammography technician Marde Buchart, along with lead interpreting physician, Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Yetto (not pictured) of Naval Hospital Bremerton’s Radiology Department were recognized by command leadership for their collective efforts showcased recently in an inspection by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that noted their diligence, effort and attention to detail on behalf of their patients (official Navy photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC public affairs officer).  

BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

05.10.2021

Story by Douglas Stutz    

Naval Hospital Bremerton/Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bremerton

When Naval Hospital Bremerton’s Mammography Suite underwent inspection from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) inspector was equally surprised and impressed.

Not by the state of art equipment, but by the care, compassion and competence of the staff.

The thorough accreditation inspection of the command’s 3-D Mammography Suite by the FDA MQSA validated the quality of all mammography services, including the staff members who work there and daily provide patient-centered care to those in need.

“During the last FDA inspection, the [MQSA] inspector, Sarah Clark, was really surprised at how well the team performed with all new people. She highlighted the rare circumstance where all three key players, the lead interpreting physician, Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Yetto, mammography technician Marde Buchart, and mammography administrator Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kyra James, who were new to this process, were able to create a sound mammography program espousing proficiency, teamwork, and openness to learning,” said Cmdr. Anil Shah, director of Clinical Support Services.

Last year alone, NHB’s Radiology Department mammography program provided 1,563 mammograms, a service that Buchart affirms is crucial in increasing awareness of breast cancer.

Statistical evidence pointed out in 2020 that more than 268,000 women – as well as 2,600 men – were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, resulting in over 42,000 deaths from the disease.

“It’s estimated that one in eight women will experience some type of breast cancer during their life time,” added Buchart, stressing that all her patients need to be proactive and get their annual mammogram screening accomplished on a timely basis. “Our message to everyone is not to wait for any symptoms to appear. Get screened because early detection saves lives.”

It’s that consideration for patients that made a positive impression on the inspector.

“Marde, thank you for your diligence to the MQSA program and for the patients you care for. You have set up a program that was easy to follow, met the requirements for MQSA, and showed your attention to detail,” stated Clark.

Buchart stresses that if any type of breast cancer is diagnosed early and is followed by aggressive treatment before the cancer spreads, the five year survival rate for breast cancer is over 85 percent.

“Our radiologists here are all working aggressively every day to diagnose, keep on top of the best available treatments and work together for all those involved to try and eradicate any cancer,” remarked Buchart.

Research has found that cancers discovered during early screening exams are often smaller in size and more likely to be confined to the breast. When considering the size and likelihood of spread, the importance of early detection becomes obvious.

“Earlier to catch, earlier to treat,” agreed James.

The teamwork provided by Buchart and James in the mammography suite has also been augmented by enhanced connectivity capabilities using the DoD’s electronic health record MHS GENESIS, which allows patients to visually see their exam results, as well as provide timely support to other military treatment facilities with the new system.

The benefits of digital mammography are many. It allows the radiologist to review electronic images of the breast using special high-resolution monitors. Objects can be magnified for close ups of specific areas of interest, adjusted brightness, increased or decreased contrast and inverted the black and white values while reviewing the images in order to thoroughly evaluate and focus on any specific area of concern, such as small calcifications, masses and other subtle signs. Being able to manipulate images is one of the major benefits of digital technology because it makes it easier to detect breast cancers. As soon as the image is taken by Buchart, administratively coordinated by James, it’s transmitted internally in real time to be reviewed by Yetto, the radiologist. Teamwork in action.

“All three have truly demonstrated character, competence and compassion as evidenced by feedback from the inspector,” Shah stated.

• Date Taken: 05.10.2021
• Date Posted: 05.12.2021 09:51
• Story ID: 396195
• Location: BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, US