How Research Is Conducted in a Private Practice

This article aims to describe how ethically and efficiently research has been conducted in our practice. What started out as a very informal set of internal checks and balances at our practice has evolved into a very busy research department. We now have numerous internal and external studies. Research opportunities include computer-aided detection, full field breast ultrasound, elasticity imaging, cone beam computed tomography of the breast, and breast tomosynthesis. There are many ways a mammography center can conduct research; we have found that commitment is a major factor. Each project needs adequate time and supervision. The dedication must be there to see the projects through to completion.