Habib Rahbar, MD
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I was initially drawn to radiology as a field because I liked figuring out the puzzle — using technology to peer inside the body and see what was causing a person’s symptoms — and then sharing that information with them. But a lot of specialties within radiology have very limited face time with patients. Breast imaging is an exception; there’s much more opportunity for direct contact with the people I care for. Many of my interactions are short and joyful: women breathing a huge sigh of relief because I’ve told them that their scans are clear and everything looks great. In the scenarios where I do end up diagnosing cancer, I collaborate with talented breast surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists and other staff to create a comprehensive plan for managing the disease. I love the colleagues I get to work with at Fred Hutch. Everyone is invested in providing the best possible care.
When my dad was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, I learned a lot in terms of how to talk to patients and families, how to read the room and how to make sure that each piece of information I’m providing is clear. Even if you’re knowledgeable about your condition and what could happen, it’s hard to hear what a physician is saying to you because there are all these things going on in the back of your mind that prevent you from focusing and thinking clearly. When I sit down with patients now, I slow down, and I don’t leave the room until I know that everyone understands what I’ve shared.
Provider background
Specialty: Radiology
Breast imaging
I am a board-certified radiologist who uses medical imaging to screen for, diagnose and manage breast cancer. I also serve as the clinical director of breast imaging at Fred Hutch. In this role, I ensure that our clinical practices are steeped in evidence and that we are providing patient-centered care.
My research is focused on improving the management of ductal carcinoma in situ. Known as DCIS, this early-stage breast cancer begins in the milk ducts and has not spread to the surrounding breast tissue. It is difficult to predict which women with DCIS will go on to develop invasive breast cancer. As a result, sometimes patients can be overtreated. I use advanced imaging (MRI) to identify which forms of DCIS may merit less treatment —for example, surgery rather than both surgery and radiation. My goal is to offer more precise care for patients by better matching treatments to biology through imaging.
Diseases treated
Stories
SCCA’s Habib Rahbar, MD, spoke with Lifehacker about mammograms and preventative breast cancer screenings.
Research
Clinical trials
We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch doctors. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your doctor can decide if a study is right for you.
Publications
Many of our Fred Hutch doctors conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other doctors and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this Fred Hutch provider has written.
Press
Our providers are often asked to give their medical expertise for press and news publications. Read articles by or about this Fred Hutch provider.
Your care team
Insurance
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