Christoph I. Lee, MD, MS, MBA

Imaging is central to breast cancer screening, and the technology is constantly evolving. For example, in the last 15 years we’ve gone from using screen film mammography to digital and now 3-D mammography — and there are even more changes coming down the pipeline that can lead to improved screening and early detection of breast cancer. It’s exciting to be part of a field that’s progressing so quickly. What I also enjoy about this specialty is that I can use medical imaging to advocate for individual patients as well as large groups of people. One of my research programs amasses breast imaging data and outcomes from diverse populations so that we can provide better evidence to policymakers who set cancer screening guidelines.

I brought my father-in-law all the way from Montana to get treated at Fred Hutch, and I’m grateful for the way his physicians cared for him. When you’re on the side of being the health advocate for your family member, you realize just how vulnerable people can feel during the diagnostic stage, when they’re waiting to find out whether they have cancer, how aggressive it is and how much disease is present. Having a caring, empathetic physician who understands the latest science and treatments but also takes the time to thoroughly answer questions is critical. I take pride in being a patient listener, fielding any concerns that come up and providing patients and families with concrete data they can use to make decisions.