March 2023
| Dr. Jessica Robbins, MD FAUR FSABIProfessor of Radiology Vice Chair of Faculty Development and Enrichment University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Madison, WI How long have you been a member of SABI? 6 years Hobbies: Running and Reading Interesting Fact: Raises Monarch Butterflies |
What is your area of clinical/research focus?
As an abdominal radiologist at the University of Wisconsin, I do the full range of abdominal imaging, CT colonography, and small procedures including ultrasound-guided biopsies, paras and thoras, and hysterosalpingograms/hysterosonography. I have a particular interest in benign and oncologic gynecologic imaging and have participated in some gynecologic oncology research. While I do not have the opportunity to much obstetric imaging clinically, it is something I love to teach my residents about. In my role as Vice Chair of Faculty Development and Enrichment, I oversee our departmental career development and promotion processes and their intersection with DEI and wellbeing
What is your favorite part of being a member of SABI?
SABI is my favorite specialty organization! The group is welcoming, inclusive, and brilliant. The networking is spectacular and I learn so much every time I interact with SABI.
What or who motivated you to join SABI?
As we were waiting for our RSNA Refresher course to begin, Susan Ascher encouraged me to consider joining SABI (SCBT-MR at the time). I was initially reluctant since I had a perception that the organization was “elitist” and “exclusive.” Susan assured me that the culture of SABI had evolved and that I would be welcomed and included. So, when Scott Reeder invited me to present in the “Don’t let this happen to you session” at the 2018 meeting, I accepted and, wow, am I grateful I did! In SABI, I found my abdominal imaging people!
What activities of SABI do you like?
I love the annual meeting; it is a wonderful opportunity to connect and learn. Serving as the senior faculty member advisor for the ECC has been extraordinarily rewarding as I feel like I am watching the future of SABI in the making! The monthly webinars have been a great way to stay connected with the society, interface with new people, and, in the instance of the book clubs discuss non-radiology topics with my radiology peers!
What are your hobbies or favorite activities?
I am an avid runner and reader. Some people “brunch” with their friends, I run; I have a standing weekend date with one of my besties, Susan, where we run and share personal stories for 90 minutes while looping Lake Mendota. I am always reading fiction, my favorites are epic character development novels, and have been known to carry my current read with me so I can catch a few words while I’m waiting for my latte.
What is something about you that not many people know?
I raise Monarch butterflies. The hobby started by accident when I found a fat caterpillar on my walk home from work. I thought my kids would be interested in watching the metamorphosis. They were, kind of, but it turns out I was more enthralled by the process than they were. Over the past few years, I have cultivated numerous milkweed plants in my yard to provide the Monarchs a place to lay their eggs and to feed the VERY hungry caterpillars that emerge from the eggs I collect. My “farm” has raised and released nearly 200 butterflies in the past 2 years; I am hoping that the summer of 2023 will be even more fruitful than last year!
| Dr. Aditi Chaurasia, MBBSPost-doctoral research fellow National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD
How long have you been a member of SABI? 3 years Hobbies: Cooking, preventing food waste, and loves to travel! |
What is your area of clinical/research focus? Over the last two years as a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, my role was to lead and collaborate on clinical research projects based on familial renal cancer. My current interests are oncologic imaging and interventions. I completed my medical school training in India at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal, and I’m an incoming radiology resident at UAMS. Serving as a co-chair of SABI’s Early Career Committee (ECC), my role is to oversee committee-led events and learn from peers & senior members along the way. What is your favorite part of being a member of SABI? SABI is the first society I became closely involved with and it has a special place in my heart. I felt that SABI was a close-knit community of radiologists who are welcoming and passionate not only for advances in imaging but also for advancing the career of trainees and early career members. If you’re interested in getting actively involved or seeking mentorship– SABI is your go-to Society! What or who motivated you to join SABI? My mentor Ashkan Malayeri and one of my co-fellows at that time, Moozhan Nikpanah encouraged me to submit my educational abstract to SABI2020 and I seized the opportunity to present, especially since it was virtual and thus convenient as I was in my home country at that time. During the virtual meeting, I chanced upon a post about joining the newly formed early career committee and I signed up for it. I was pleasantly surprised with fellow members’ infectious enthusiasm for radiology and life, in general- everyone was super-nice! There’s no looking back since then. What activities of SABI do you like? Annual meeting and ECC events! Not only the conference is a great way to learn about the most exciting advances in abdominal imaging and generate ideas for future clinical research, but also an incredible opportunity to connect with peers and mentors. The ECC led events focus on professional advancement and mentorship – thus helping one grow and develop long-term friendships! What’s the next place on your travel bucket list? I’m a self-confessed travelholic and I’d love to explore all the cultures, cuisines and experiences the world has to offer! One of the seven wonders of the world - Machu Picchu has been on my bucket-list since a long time. Of all the world's destinations, few are as esoteric and mystical as the historical site of Machu Picchu in Peru. Trying out the local plant-based Peruvian cuisine is another bonus, can’t wait to check it off my bucket list! What is something about you that not many people know? Not only do I enjoy cooking, but I’m also passionate about efforts to prevent food wastage and global hunger. Back home, I was part of an NGO called ‘Robinhood army’ which used to distribute surplus food from restaurants, weddings, etc. to underserved living in urban slum dwellings & public places. Presently, I volunteer at a Sunday service which serves 96 lunch packages to the people-in-need in downtown DC. |