1. IEE: New Zealand
Trevor Everett

2. Auckland, NZ Population: 1.5 million
~60% European, ~20% Asian, ~10% Pacific Islanders, ~10% Maori
Language: English

3. Auckland City Hospital
One of the largest hospitals in NZ
~700 beds
Radiology department has all major subspecialties
Pediatric, MSK, Neuro, IR, Body, Breast, and Nuclear
Fantastic coffee atrium

4. Breast Cancer Screening in NZ
Program started in late 90s
Government realized lower income female populations were not being screened as routinely as wealthier populations
Wanted to address problem so developed national breast screening program (National Screening Unit, NSU)

5. Why Breast Cancer Screening?
As a budding radiologist, I have always been interested in breast cancer screening and decreasing mortality and morbidity in female patients
Additionally, I made a great connection working with the breast imager at Auckland City Hospital, Dr. Jeremy Whitlock
As I spent more time with him, this felt like a natural topic to pick up to utilize his expertise

6. National Screening Unit
Started in late 90s, expanded after first 5 years to include patients 5 years older and younger than original protocol
Resulted in more patients to be screened, more work
Has continued to expand and become unified throughout the country, with more clear standards
Improved from 30% screening rates to >70%
Implementation of MRI has helped in screening process of familial breast cancer

7. Summary of NSU in NZ
Overall, very comparable to screening programs in U.S. and Europe
Continues to adapt and improve, both with protocols and technology
Implementing more digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT)
Adjusting protocols for MRI to ensure only appropriate patients are scanned
Great example of how a public health problem can be addressed by the government

8. Most Profound Clinical Experience
Working with the breast imagers and observing their compassion and great interpersonal skills.
Seeing firsthand how to interact with breast cancer patients in a meaningful and genuinely caring way.
Learning some of the basics to mammography and breast ultrasound.

9. Most Profound Cultural Experience
The Kepler Track
60-kilometer, 3 day/2 night hike through the mountains in Fiordland National Park
Met wonderful people along the way
Tested my physical abilities and mental endurance

10. “Iris Burn Hut”, where I stayed the 2nd night.

12. References https://www.nsu.govt.nz/breastscreen-aotearoa
Whitlock, J. (2017, February 21). Personal interview.