Q&A with Dr. Martha Mainiero ‘81 on Breast Cancer Awareness

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Westover connected with Dr. Martha Mainiero ‘81, radiologist and Director of the Anne C. Pappas Breast Imaging, to find out some serious recommendations and a few fun personal facts. Read on for a Q&A between Dr. Mainiero’s and Director of Constituent Engagement Alexis Zimmerman ‘12:

How did you become Director of the Anne C. Pappas Center? When I went into medical school I thought I would become a family practitioner as I enjoy seeing patients for common concerns and preventive health. However, I found out that I find the diagnostic side of patient care-figuring out what is wrong-particularly rewarding. Radiology requires detective-like/puzzle-solving skills that I find very intellectually interesting. Breast imaging let me combine that aspect of radiology with seeing patients every day. It is also very gratifying as a woman to work in women's health. I pursued an academic medical career, working with medical students and residents and doing research, publishing, and speaking as an invited lecturer because I love teaching too. I was so inspired by Alice and Terry Hallaran as my science teachers at Westover that I seriously considered becoming a high school biology teacher, but in the end decided to combine clinical practice and teaching as a physician. I became Director of the Anne C. Pappas Center at Rhode Island Hospital (part of Brown University Health) to serve in a leadership position, translating clinical expertise into administrative leadership. 

You mentioned in our communications that this is a very busy time for you, professionally. Are things always busy or does Breast Cancer Awareness Month inspire more women to get checked out? Breast cancer awareness month definitely inspires more women to come for screening. We are always busy though, as we not only see women getting screened for cancer but also women who are experiencing symptoms. There is a national shortage of breast radiologists!

What advice do you have for current Westover students, especially those interested in pursuing medicine? Are there things you wish you knew earlier? There are so many pathways to a career in medicine-consider them all : MD, DO, PA, NP, RN etc! Network, ask questions of everyone you know in health care, ask to shadow people, research what is required. I wish I had understood earlier that in medicine, you will never have all the answers, and that you have to be able to tolerate uncertainty and know you do your best. It is a very meaningful career, and I am so glad I did it.

What advice do you have for women, especially younger women during Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Breast cancer mortality is decreasing, which is great, but there is an increase in incidence among women under age 40. Women 20-40 should be encouraged to be comfortable with their bodies so they can recognize changes. Women 40 and older should have an annual mammogram.  If you have a strong family history of breast cancer (a mother or sister with breast cancer before menopause or multiple relatives with breast cancer) make sure you have an evaluation of your risk. Women at high risk need more than mammography. They need an MRI as well. Women with dense breasts, especially if they have some increased risk but are not highest risk, can benefit from screening ultrasound in addition to mammography. 

Prevention and early detection seem to be key with breast cancer. What advice should we know? In terms of prevention, the best thing we can do is follow a healthy lifestyle. Obesity and alcohol consumption are risk factors for breast cancer. I still have my glass of wine most days though...

What are some of your fondest memories of Westover? All those times we had with friends–sharing a room, classes, hallway, clubs as a senior with best friends. The longer I spent at Westover, the better the experience became. I keep up with some of those friends, but wish I had done a better job keeping up with them all. I also fondly remember so many amazing teachers and classes.

Are you a West or an Over? Over!

What are you currently reading or watching? I just got back from a white water rafting trip on the Grand Canyon and I'm reading The Emerald Mile about the fastest ride down the Colorado river (I was in the Outdoor Club at Westover!). I'm watching Severance on Apple TV–it's kind of weird and creepy, but thought-provoking–and Only Murders in the Building for comic relief.