ACR and North Dakota Department of Health to Distribute Free High-Tech Mammography Education Tool to ND Radiologists

CD-based Product Helps Radiologists Improve Life-saving Mammography Skills Online Rather than on Patients

Reston, Va. — The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the North Dakota Department of Health have partnered to distribute 70 copies of the College’s Mammography Case Review (MCR4) educational CD-ROM free of charge to radiologists in the 43 ACR-accredited mammography facilities throughout North Dakota.

Mammography Case Review (MCR4), a self-evaluation educational tool, enables radiologists to test and improve their skills regarding the detection of cancers and other abnormalities via mammography by allowing them to evaluate multiple cases in a controlled electronic setting, supplementing their real world experience with case types that they may not have previously experienced.

“Mammography has undoubtedly served to reduce breast cancer deaths nationwide and is the gold standard for detection of breast cancer. However, mammograms remain one of the most challenging exams for radiologists to interpret. The ACR is proud to offer this important tool to help radiologists better interpret this extremely important exam which is of paramount importance in the battle against breast cancer,” said Harvey L. Neiman, M.D., FACR, Chief Executive Officer of the ACR.

The CD-based Mammography Case Review provides instant feedback to the user identifying abnormalities that they may have missed (if any) and prepares them to better detect such indications in the future.

“Mammography Case Review enables radiologists to improve their mammography skills on challenging cases and allows any learning curve to take place online instead of on patients,” said Mark Kristy, M.D., radiologist at West River Health Services, Hettinger, N.D., and Women’s Way Medical Advisory Board member. “This vital training will benefit radiologists and their patients throughout North Dakota just as it does nationwide.”

Participants may claim up to 9 American Medical Association (AMA) PRA Category 1 CreditsTM for completing the MCR4 program which, under this agreement, is provided free of charge to North Dakota radiologists who interpret mammography procedures in North Dakota. In addition, radiologists who successfully complete this program may obtain up to three (3) Self Assessment Module credits from the American Board of Radiology (ABR).

North Dakota is the second state to partner with the ACR to distribute Mammography Case Review to radiologists in 2009. The ACR and the New York State Department of Health distributed MCR4 to facilities in the Empire State earlier this year.

To arrange an interview with an ACR spokesperson, please contact ACR Director of Public Affairs Shawn Farley at 703-648-8936 or sfarley@acr.org.

For more information regarding the ACR Mammography Case Review product, please visit: http://www.acr.org/mcr.

For more information regarding ACR mammography facility accreditation programs, please visit http://www.acr.org/accreditation/mammography.aspx.


Shawn Farley
Director of Public Affairs
American College of Radiology
703.648.8936 Office
703.869.0292 Cell
sfarley@acr.org