Soundeffects News | New Voice Georgie McGuire, QLD

Georgie McGuire, QLD

Your session explores the ‘quiet clues’ in breast imaging, those subtle details that can easily be overlooked. What inspired you to explore this topic?

I’ve seen a few cases in my career that have changed the way I look at the typical categorisation of benign versus malignant features. There have been times when we have performed biopsies on lesions that I was confident were benign, yet were confirmed malignant. While this instilled a fear in me and made me question previous cases, it also inspired me to be more thorough and to interrogate each lesion more closely and with a more flexible lens. I wanted to explore the research around benign and malignant categorisation and seek gaps in the literature to spotlight areas that require more attention and inspire other sonographers to use the same thoroughness and flexibility in their breast imaging.

Breast imaging is changing rapidly, from advanced transducer technology to new AI‑supported workflows. How do you see these developments shaping the future of the sonographer’s role, particularly for early‑career clinicians like yourself?

I can foresee AI becoming more commonplace in the future. It would not surprise me if AI were used more regularly by sonographers and radiologists 5 years from now in detecting features that may not be easily perceptible to the human eye. I do, however, believe that we are still a long way off from AI negating the need for sonographers entirely. The dynamic nature of ultrasound imaging, as well as the massive anatomical variability across the population, especially in breast imaging, makes the role of the sonographer critical. At this point in time, I am not concerned about being out of work in the near future!

Recognising nuanced patterns often comes with time and lived clinical experience. As someone still early in your journey, how have you built your confidence in identifying subtle or unexpected breast findings, and who or what has guided you in developing that skill?

Practice and repetition have been crucial in developing the fundamental skills and building my confidence. In saying this, I believe you can never be too confident in breast imaging, as there will always be a case that shocks you and brings you back down to earth. This has been true for me, and while it’s knocked my confidence at times, it’s important to acknowledge that these situations have been conducive to professional

growth. I have been exceptionally fortunate in my career to work alongside some highly knowledgeable and skilled sonographers and radiologists who have taught me so much and improved my skills immeasurably. I owe much of my proficiency to those who’ve taken the time to teach me, and I’ve always heard those voices echoing in my head during critical moments throughout my career.

Many emerging sonographers worry that they are not ‘experienced enough’ to step onto a stage. What would you say to someone holding back from presenting because they doubt they are ready?

I believe there is something to be learned from everybody, no matter how much or how little experience. Within breast imaging, particularly, there is so much variability across the population; everybody will inevitably come across something unique. Throughout my career, I’ve supervised more junior sonographers who’ve detected extremely subtle lesions, and I’ve seen more experienced sonographers fail to detect more obvious lesions. I’ve learnt a lot from people more junior than myself. I think the more people you listen to and try to learn from, the stronger your skills will become. For anybody with self-doubt about presenting, I would encourage stepping outside their comfort zone, as it is an excellent way to grow as an individual, both personally and professionally. While presenting in front of an audience is intimidating, it is also thrilling and a rare opportunity. I believe that if you are never uncomfortable, you limit yourself from growing, learning and improving. If you have knowledge that you feel is important to share, absolutely do so.

This will be your first time presenting on an international stage as part of the ASA’s New Voices program. What are you most excited about in sharing this topic in person on the Gold Coast, and what does being part of the next generation of speakers mean to you?

I am most excited for the opportunity to gain new experiences, challenge myself and step beyond my comfort zone. I’m grateful for the chance to share my knowledge, experience and research with other professionals, and for my own personal and professional growth. Being part of the next generation of speakers is so important, particularly in the present time of exponential technological advancement and constant change. I am ecstatic to be a part of the New Voices program and look forward to seeing presentations from other new voices. I believe there is always something new to learn in health and medicine, and the next generation represents the future of healthcare.

SESSION

FRIDAY 4:20 pm – 4:40 pm

PRESENTATION

Quiet clues: The art of detecting subtle breast malignancies