UC Breast Cancer Researcher Earns Prestigious Leadership Fellowship

Hanging on the door of Dr. Mary Mahoney’s office is a poster of the brain with the words, “You’re a radiologist in the making.”

The University of Cincinnati breast cancer expert and researcher, known for inspiring others to research excellence, will now join the ranks of influential medical leaders as a part-time fellow at the International Center for Executive Leadership in Academics.

Mahoney, interim chair of the University of Cincinnati Department of Radiology and professor in the College of Medicine, was selected for the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program in April.

The program is a highly selective, year-long, part-time fellowship for women faculty in schools of medicine, dentistry and public health, according to ELAM. More than 800 ELAM alumnae hold leadership positions in institutions around the world.

Mahoney’s medical work is guided by a simple yet powerful mantra: “Today’s research is tomorrow’s practice.” Her work focuses on the earlier and more precise detection of breast cancer.

“I would love to get to the point where we can completely eradicate [breast cancer],” Mahoney said. “If we can find it earlier, the treatment is less invasive and the outcomes can be much better.”

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women. In 2015, an estimated 231,840 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women will be diagnosed, and 40,290 breast cancer deaths will occur, according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Mahoney researches mechanisms and screening protocols that cab detect cancer at its earliest stages. Through 3-D digital breast imaging and spectroscopy, radiologists are able to look at the breast tissue “layer by layer” to detect and treat cancer not only earlier, but more effectively because of its more targeted approach. Her research includes a digital mammography imaging screening trial, a MRI breast cancer trial and high-risk breast cancer ultrasound screening.

“We’re tailoring treatment to patients; knowing that for chemotherapy, not one size fits all,” Mahoney said. “It doesn’t fit every tumor, and not every screening fits every patient.”

The Department of Radiology at UC performs around 350,000 imaging exams annually and houses 30 residents and nine fellows.

Radiology tends to occur in closed-off rooms, studying images and conferring with physicians but not patients, she said. Mahoney cherishes the moments she spends interacting the people she treats. With breast imaging, Mahoney is able to do all the biopsies, the work-ups and talk to patients about their results.

“Women in particular are wonderful patients. They’re obviously anxious and I definitely get those moments where there’s tears,” she said. “There is sadness, but there’s a huge amount of hugs and relief, too. It’s just amazing the kind of strength women have.”

Mahoney’s passion for research and her insatiable intellectual curiosity have kept her interested and motivated in the field of radiology. While females in academia and medicine “are still not the norm.”

Mahoney received her undergraduate degree from Brown University, graduating summa cum laude. She completed medical school, her residency and her fellowship at UC. She encourages women to pursue a career in medicine.

“I’m a huge fan of smart, powerful women. I want them to go for it. We need more women in medicine with passion and compassion,” Mahoney said. “It’s hard. There are huge sacrifices to make. It’s a long haul but the rewards at the end are great.”