In celebration of National Women’s Health Week, ImagineSoftware™ hosted a powerful and inspiring webinar, Healthcare Focused on Her: Women’s Health Panel. The session brought together a distinguished panel of women leaders in healthcare, including Dianne Keen, Emily Beard, Linda Wilgus, and Dr. Dana Bonaminio. Their discussion covered everything from access to care and interventional radiology to the future of AI in breast imaging and the growing power of advocacy.
From Personal Journeys to Professional Passion
Each panelist shared how her journey into healthcare was shaped by personal experiences and a passion for helping others.
“I started in radiology 24 years ago and quickly fell in love with interventional radiology,” said Dianne Keen, Vice President of Strategy and Growth at AbbaDox. “It was during that time that a young niece of mine was dying of breast cancer. I realized how many patients were undergoing invasive treatments with severe side effects, while procedures like UFE (uterine fibroid embolization) could dramatically improve their quality of life with less burden.”
Emily Beard, RN, OCN, CBCN, Program Coordinator at Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, reflected on caring for her grandmother: “I took care of my grandmother when I was 20, and emily beard watching the nurses inspired me. Now, I lead with that memory, always thinking of how I’d want my loved ones to be treated.”
Linda Wilgus, Co-Executive Director of the Radiology Business Management Association, found her calling after initially starting in accounting. “I joined a healthcare consulting firm after college and quickly realized my heart was in patient care and working with physicians,” she said. “That led me to spend 30 years with a private radiology group.”
Dr. Dana Bonaminio, Director of Breast Imaging at Ascension Saint Thomas, summed up her path succinctly: “I loved puzzles and problem-solving. That naturally led me to medicine, and I was fortunate to have mentors that guided me to radiology.”
Empowering Through Education and Screening
The discussion turned to breast cancer screening, where Dr. Bonaminio offered clear, practical guidance:
“Start risk assessment at 25. Know your family history. And begin annual screening mammograms at age 40 – sooner if you’re at higher risk,” she emphasized. “Remember, mammography doesn’t prevent breast cancer, but it can detect it early – when it’s most treatable.”
She also debunked common fears: “It’s a 15-minute exam. Gentle compression. Not nearly as scary as people think. Bring a friend, make a day of it!”
The Power of Precision Medicine
Emily Beard dove into how personalized medicine is transforming care.
“For so long, medicine treated everyone with a one-size-fits-all approach,” she said. “Now, we can tailor screening and treatment based on genetics, breast density, lifestyle, and even specific tumor markers. It’s truly a ‘one size fits one’ approach.”
She encouraged women to participate in clinical trials: “Research saves lives. Participating isn’t about being a guinea pig – it’s about getting personalized attention and helping others down the road.”
Legislative Advocacy and Barriers to Care
Linda Wilgus highlighted critical issues in policy and access, especially for underserved communities.
“Thirty-five percent of U.S. counties are maternity deserts,” she warned. “That’s 2.3 million women who have to drive more than two hours to see an OB-GYN.”
She also raised concerns about Medicaid cuts: “One in five women aged 19–64 is on Medicaid. Budget cuts and work requirements could severely impact access to vital care.”
Linda praised efforts like the Find It Early Act, which pushes for insurance coverage of both screening and follow-up mammography with no out-of-pocket costs: “We have a voice – and it matters. Advocacy works.”
AI and the Future of Breast Imaging
Dr. Bonaminio shared promising innovations on the horizon.
“We’re seeing AI tools that can act like a second reader for mammograms, enhancing detection,” she explained. “Even more exciting is AI that can analyze breast images to estimate a woman’s cancer risk – personalized without the need for extensive questionnaires.”
A New Era of Awareness and Advocacy
To close the session, Emily Beard celebrated a cultural shift: “I’m finally seeing women proudly post about their mammograms. We’re demystifying conversations around menstruation, menopause, and reproductive health.”
She added, “Seeing more female providers is also game-changing. That lived experience, that empathy – it matters.”
Linda echoed the sentiment: “There are things only long-term, well-funded research can solve. We need to fight for that. Our stories resonate – and they change minds in Washington.”
Final Thought: Care Starts with You
The panel was a moving reminder that advocacy, early detection, and education are critical tools in the fight for equitable women’s healthcare. Share this with a sister, a friend, your mom—help spread the knowledge and inspiration.
