About

Genevieve Woodard, M.D., Ph.D., completed an MSTP program (combined M.D./Ph.D. degree) at the University of Pittsburgh, with her Ph.D. in Epidemiology evaluating novel risk factor associations for subclinical cardiovascular disease. She completed a diagnostic radiology residency and a one-year breast imaging fellowship at the University of California San Francisco.

Dr. Woodard enjoyed science from a young age and was interested in medicine because her grandmother died of breast cancer. During her undergraduate studies, she worked in a basic science laboratory studying molecular pathways. This introduction to research led her to pursue a combined M.D./Ph.D. program. She chose her Ph.D. in epidemiology because she wanted to steer her attention to translational research, which ultimately was a great stepping stone for a radiology career dedicated to breast cancer. Breast radiology is a good fit with her research interests as she can assess patient risk factors associated with breast cancer and use imaging to improve patient recommendations and outcomes. As healthcare advances, mammography is an excellent screening exam for breast cancer. However, there are patient populations that are not getting appropriate screening that UNC can still make an impact on.

Dr. Woodard decided to pursue a specialty in Radiology because it was an avenue to contribute to the care of many patients, including performing hands-on procedures. Breast imaging was the perfect combination of image interpretation, patient care, and intervention. It allowed her to care for patients at a very vulnerable time in their lives and reassure so many that even if their mammogram is abnormal, our team will care for them and get them the care they need. Patients appreciate this comfort at the time of their diagnostic exam and biopsy. This gratitude makes her job a day-to-day privilege.

Expertise

Breast imaging including screening mammography, tomosynthesis (3D), diagnostic imaging, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and image-guided breast biopsies and interventions.

Specialty

Breast cancer screening, supplemental screening for dense breast tissue and high-risk patients, and transgender and gender-diverse breast imaging.

Professional Interests

Patient, technologist, and radiology resident and fellow education. In breast imaging, there is a daily opportunity to educate about the importance of mammography, imaging techniques, interpretation skills, and how to optimize ultrasound scanning and biopsy techniques. This hands-on learning has a downstream effect, as women learn about the importance of screening mammograms, they will pass on this knowledge to their friends and family. Seasoned technologists will provide better care for their patients and will teach newer technologists that join our staff. A well-trained resident and fellow will practice this knowledge and impact thousands of patients after graduation. She received the incredible gift of education from her attendings as a resident and fellow and from the many technologists and sonographers she has worked with, forming the radiologist she is today. She tries to model this daily educational experience at UNC in breast imaging.

Research

As a physician-scientist, Dr. Woodard actively contributes to breast imaging research while focusing on the clinical applications of such studies. Her current academic interests are to advance breast cancer detection and the treatment effect through imaging, with future emphasis on closing the gaps for breast cancer with earlier and more effective detection. She is also interested in improving patient care through clinician education and evidence-based practices.

One current project is early prognostic detection of immunochemotherapy response in patients with triple-negative breast cancer using a novel MRI biomarker imaging technique. Newer imaging technology can potentially decrease morbidity and mortality for cancer that is aggressive and affects many young patients.

One of her newest projects is evaluating hematoma formation following stereotactic/tomosynthesis- and MRI-guided biopsies in a recent epinephrine shortage and whether future patients could benefit from using epinephrine as the shortage subsides.

A recently accepted study she participated in identifying the need for practitioner education, given the observed low knowledge and familiarity with breast cancer screening guidelines in transgender and gender-diverse patients. I educated on transgender breast imaging in CME courses, resident lectures, and technologist in-services. She hopes to continue this education with reading materials in the clinic and on our websites. This will improve patient experiences as she and her team provide a welcoming environment for all patients and will reduce healthcare access barriers and improve cultural sensitivity.

Philosophy of Care

All patients in breast imaging are treated equally with their needs met and care delivered regardless of their racial and ethnic origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, social economic status, and religious belief. My care is delivered with kindness and compassion, efficiency, and evidence based. As an educator, I emphasize equal treatment of patients in the reading room and at bedside.

In order to close the gaps on marginalized patient populations, I emphasize early detection of breast cancer with annual screening mammography starting at age 40 for every average-risk patient, and earlier for high-risk patients. Identifying a patient’s risk level by age of 25 will educate those who may benefit from earlier screening and supplemental imaging, particularly in the setting of dense breast tissue. Educating transgender and gender diverse patients and providers about who needs breast imaging and when screening is indicated is vital, as individual needs vary. I educate on the importance of breast cancer screening in the classroom, the clinic, and with referring providers. A recent interview covering the importance of such screening was published on UNC Health Talk that discusses “When Should You Get a Mammogram?” https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/when-should-you-get-a-mammogram/

Honors and Awards

• 2010 Outstanding Doctoral Student Award, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, PA
• 2010 Delta Omega National Honor Society in Public Health, Omicron Chapter, University of Pittsburgh, PA
• 2004 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Young Investigator Award, Seattle, WA
• 2002 McNair Scholar: Outstanding McNair Student Award, University of Superior, WI
• 2002 Cum Laude, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, MN
• 2002 Dean’s List, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, MN
• 2000 Honors Program Member, College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, MN