Page 6 - MidWeek - Oct 27, 2021

6 MIDWEEK OCTOBER 27, 2021
A lifelong resident of Honolulu, diagnos- tic radiologist Dr. Bryan Gushiken was actual- ly born at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Chil-
DR. BRYAN GUSHIKEN, Hawai‘i Pacific Health Medical Group physician located at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children Interviewed by Don Robbins
Mixing Technology And Medicine
dren, where he now works. “My past experiences have led me to advocate for people taking charge of their own health. As a physician, my role is to facilitate and guide patients through this
My primary role as a diag- nostic radiologist is to inter- pret and diagnose abnormali- ties on imaging exams, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRI scans. However, ra- diologists do so much more, including consulting with your provider on choosing the proper exam, overseeing the exam, monitoring quali- ty and safety, and discussing your results with your provid- er. Radiologists also perform minimally invasive proce- dures using imaging guidance, such as biopsies.
Women also need to deter- mine if they are at high risk for breast cancer. One of the most common risk factors is a fami- ly history of breast cancer.
process,” he says.
He received his medical
Diagnostic radiologist Dr. Bryan Gushiken works at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children. PHOTOS COURTESY HAWAI‘I PACIFIC HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP
Women at high risk may need to start mammograms at an earlier age and may be eligible for supplemental im- aging studies, in addition to their annual mammograms. It’s best for women to discuss their risk factors with their healthcare provider. Hawai‘i Pacific Health also has a High-Risk Breast Program for women with these risk factors. Through this program, a team of experts on breast health provides a personalized risk management program for patients who are identified at high risk for breast cancer.
school education at Universi- ty of California, Los Angeles, and completed his residency and fellowship in radiology at University of California, San Francisco. Gushiken also has a passion for travel and ex- ploring different cultures.
cancer. Some abnormalities require further investigation with a biopsy where I use imaging guidance to sample a small piece of tissue with a needle for further study.
for their mammograms, they should work with the technol- ogist to get the best images possible. They should also strongly consider getting the 3D or tomosynthesis mam- mogram. We recently rolled out online self-scheduling of screening mammograms through our online patient portal, MyChart by Hawai‘i Pacific Health. This new tool allows patients to easily schedule their own appoint-
What do you love most about your career?
“I have been to over 100 countries and 49 states (with the 50th on hold due to COVID). Travel opens your mind and enriches your life,” he explains.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What is your role in reviewing mam- mograms and diagnosing cancer?
What advice do you have about breast cancer and screening?
Here’s what else Gushiken has to say about his thriving career:
My role is to interpret im- aging studies of the breast, including mammograms, ul- trasounds and MRIs to look for abnormalities that could potentially represent breast
In general, women should start their mammograms at age 40 and then continue annually. When they come
How do you answer ques- tions and ease concerns of patients and their fami- lies?
What do you do as a diag- nostic radiologist?
ments for mammograms us- ing their MyChart accounts.
early in the process before a diagnosis of breast can- cer has been made, typi- cally when an abnormality persists on imaging that requires a biopsy. I like to review images/results and discuss management options with patients, answering any questions. If a patient elects to proceed with a biopsy, I review the procedure and possible outcomes in detail. The goal is to make the pa- tient feel empowered and comfortable.
I am actually an electri- cal engineer that branched out into medicine out of a desire to work more with people. I chose radiology in particular because it is a perfect mix of technology and medicine. I love that my career allows me to use my technical background to interact and help people on a more personal level.
I often encounter patients
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