Dr. Rebecca Hansen, known to family, friends, and patients alike as 鈥淏ecca,鈥� recently joined the Pediatric Radiology division at 黑料网 as an Assistant Professor, bringing her passion for patient care and medical education to the department. Rebecca graduated from Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 2018 and completed her internship year at Vidant Medical Center at East Carolina University in Internal Medicine. She completed her Diagnostic Radiology Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina before finishing her education at Duke University Hospital with a Fellowship in Pediatric Radiology. In a recent interview, Dr. Hansen shared her journey to 黑料网 Radiology, her commitment to the field, and the joy she finds in her work.
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What attracted you to the Department of Radiology at 黑料网?
Finding Home at 黑料网 Returning to 黑料网 felt natural for Dr. Hansen. She completed her undergraduate studies at 黑料网 and was familiar with the warm, collegial environment. 鈥淚 love the 黑料网 culture,鈥� she says, 鈥淒uring my interview, I was astounded by how friendly everyone was. It feels like home.鈥� This supportive and patient-centered atmosphere, evident from her very first days, solidified her decision to join the 黑料网 Radiology family.
Why did you want to become a physician, and how did you find your way into Radiology?
A Path to Medicine Dr. Hansen鈥檚 journey to becoming a physician wasn鈥檛 linear. As a child, she always envisioned herself as an engineer. After graduating with her bachelor鈥檚 in biomedical engineering, she interviewed for engineering positions and soon realized the projects she would be working on were heavily focused on research and development. It became clear that the behind-the-scenes computer-based environment wasn鈥檛 suitable for her.
She wanted to have a more significant impact on a patient鈥檚 quality of life. Her volunteering experience with children during her undergraduate years and her increasing interest in patient care naturally led her toward becoming a doctor. She also has a family of Physicians; her two older sisters and her dad are physicians. It wasn鈥檛 until medical school that she discovered radiology鈥攁 specialty that blended her passion for helping patients with medicine’s technical, innovative aspects.
Radiology, and especially pediatric radiology, offered a unique balance. 鈥淚 love working with kids, and more so, interacting with the patient鈥檚 providers,鈥� she says.
The Hands-On Side of Pediatric Radiology While radiologists are often thought of as working behind the scenes, Dr. Hansen enjoys the hands-on aspects of pediatric radiology. Procedures like fluoroscopy and ultrasound bring her directly into the exam room, where she can engage with patients and their families. 鈥淲e tend to make the extra effort to visit with the patients and interact with them,鈥� she explains. This combination of patient interaction and technological expertise excites her most. 鈥淧ediatric radiology has exceeded my expectations. It鈥檚 everything I hoped it would be and more,鈥� she says.
Are there any medical advances you’d like to see within pediatric Radiology in the next 5-10 years?
Looking Ahead: AI and Technological Advances Dr. Hansen is optimistic about the future of radiology, and the role technology will play, especially in pediatric radiology. She鈥檚 particularly intrigued by the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance patient care, from reducing radiation doses to improving diagnostic accuracy. 鈥淚 enjoy the ever-changing aspect of radiology,鈥� she says, 鈥渁nd I look forward to seeing how technology will continue to improve patient care.鈥�
Why did you choose academic medicine?
Commitment to Medical Education Teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians is another critical aspect of Dr. Hansen鈥檚 work. 鈥淚鈥檝e had incredible mentors throughout my training,鈥� she says, and now she鈥檚 eager to give back. She loves working with medical students, residents, and fellows, learning from them, and sharing her expertise. 鈥淭he collegial environment, with everyone collaborating on studies and talking to each other, is really exciting.鈥�
What’s one piece of advice you would give somebody interested in becoming a radiologist?
Advice for Future Radiologists For anyone considering a career in radiology, Dr. Hansen鈥檚 advice is simple: 鈥淕et exposed to as many subspecialties as possible.鈥� Radiology is a broad field; every subspecialty offers a unique perspective and approach. Dr. Hansen encourages aspiring radiologists to explore different areas within the field to find their niche.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
Balancing Work and Family Outside of work, Dr. Hansen enjoys spending time with her family, including her eight-month-old daughter and their dog, Luna. She also loves playing golf and hiking with her husband. Family is essential to her life, and she treasures her time with her large extended family in the Triangle.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
A Lifelong Learner and loyal friend. When describing herself in one word, Dr. Hansen chooses 鈥渓oyal.鈥� Her dedication to her patients, colleagues, and loved ones is evident in both her personal and professional life.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
Voice of an Angle 鈥淪inging,鈥� she laughs, 鈥淚鈥檓 not a very good singer, and I would love to be able to sing.鈥�
Dr. Hansen鈥檚 passion for patient care, education, and innovation shines through in her work. 黑料网 Radiology is fortunate to have her as part of their team, and she鈥檚 excited to continue contributing to the field while building connections with patients, colleagues, and students alike.