The Brem Fellowship is the only breast imaging fellowship in the country that combines advanced breast-imaging training techniques with community service and public outreach.
The Fellowship was established in 2011. Dr. Rachel Brem and The George Washington Medical Faculty Associates Breast-Imaging Team train Brem Fellows in early detection technologies. Brem Fellows learn how to make rapid, precise diagnoses so patients can start treatment as soon as possible.
As expert educators, Brem Fellows reach out to women in diverse communities to teach them about breast health, early detection, and self-advocacy.
At the end of the fellowship, Brem Fellows are equipped to treat patients medically and emotionally with the absolute highest standards of care and compassion.
EXTENDING BREM'S REACH
After completing their fellowships, Brem Fellows have obtained prestigious positions across the country in states such as New York, Virginia, Maryland and Mississippi, with many alumni choosing to practice medicine in under-resourced communities.
Because of Brem Fellows’ commitment to the highest standards of care and breast health education, women in these communities who have breast cancer are more likely to be diagnosed early — and be cured.
CURRENT FELLOWS
Margaret is from Coral Gables, Florida. She attended Davidson College, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Psychology as a Belk Scholar. Margaret then attended Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine for her medical degree. She completed her intern year at the University of Miami Holy Cross Hospital, then finished her residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the George Washington University Hospital, where she was Chief Resident. In her free time, Margaret enjoys spending time with her husband and son.
David hails from Holmdel, New Jersey. He embarked on his academic journey at Cornell University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Biology with a focus on Neurobiology and Behavior. His love of medicine led him to Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he successfully earned his medical degree. David completed an internship in internal medicine at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York. He then undertook his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Maimonides Medical Center, where he honed his skills and expertise.
In his personal life, David finds enjoyment in various activities and enjoys running, volleyball, and rock climbing. He cherishes the time he spends with his family and friends, finding joy in moments of connection and shared camaraderie.
ALUMNI FELLOWS
Dr. Jen grew up outside of Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology where she obtained an undergraduate degree in biology. She went on to attend the Medical College of Georgia and completed her internship year in general surgery at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Ultimately, Dr. Jen completed her diagnostic radiology residency in San Antonio, Texas where she also obtained an early specialization in interventional radiology. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, exploring the city with her dog, and traveling.
Millet Yang was born and raised in New Mexico. Later in life, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky where he attended high school. After high school, he stayed in Louisville and obtained his undergraduate degree from Bellarmine University. Following the completion of his degree, he moved to Bradenton, Florida for medical school at LECOM. Later, he completed his radiology residency in Miami, Florida at Larkin Community Hospital.
Dunya is a radiologist certified by the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (CBR). She completed medical school and clinical training in Brazil. She also concluded her residency in Molecular Imaging and Therapeutics at Weill Cornell University in New York City, New York. Dunya is a member of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS), The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI), and the American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM). She is currently a breast imaging fellow at George Washington University in Washington DC.
“I am excited to be a part of the George Washington University breast imaging family and have the support of the Brem Foundation. It is an honor to be part of a group that seeks to compassionately help those in need and advocate for women’s health. I look forward to continuing to learn from Dr. Brem and the rest of the wonderful staff, who have a positive impact on all they encounter.”
Mark was raised in Los Angeles, California and attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. He went on to receive a Master of Science in Global Medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine. He attended George Washington University (GWU) to obtain his medical degree and completed his diagnostic radiology residency training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). In his free time, he enjoys boxing, rock climbing, and spending time with family and friends.
“It is a privilege and honor to be a part of the George Washington University breast imaging family where I train under Dr. Brem and all of the wonderful staff. With the help of the Brem Foundation, I will have the opportunity to improve patient access to medical imaging and advocate for women's health. The skills I learn this year will be with me throughout my career as a breast imager."
Anam was raised in Maryland and attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She then went to New York Medical School for her medical degree. She then returned home to the DMV and completed an intern year in internal medicine at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore followed by Diagnostic Radiology at the George Washington University Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.
“Passion. A word that perfectly defines Brem’s fellowship. Passion for breast imaging, passion for breast care, passion for our co-workers, and above all, passion for our patient’s well being. I am honored to be trained by Dr. Brem and the amazing team at GWU Breast Center. The fellowship provides valuable opportunities for intense clinical and procedural exposure, and also an outstanding community outreach, to become a well-rounded breast imager, and has given me skills and confidence to help diagnose breast cancer on its earliest treatable stages.”
Dr. Barreto was born and raised in Fortaleza, Brazil. He attended medical school at the Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Brazil. Dr. Barreto completed Diagnostic Radiology residency the at Hospital Antônio Prudente, Brazil (Brazilian Board of Radiology Certified). For the last two years (2017-2019), Dr. Barreto participated in a Breast Imaging Research Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, and Research Fellowship on Quantitative Imaging Analysis Core, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. These research fellowships allowed him to became fascinated about “translating” research data into clinical practice, especially among oncologic patients. Dr. Barreto’s hobbies include: triathlon (racing in Ironman and Half Ironman competitions) and traveling with his wife and son.
“It is a unique privilege and honor to be a part of the GWU breast imaging family where I get to train under Dr. Brem and all of the wonderful staff. With the help of the Brem foundation, I am thrilled to gain experience in advocating for and treating women with compassion and the skill necessary to make a positive impact in the lives of our patients and their families.”
Mansi was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana and attended Louisiana State University, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in basic sciences in 2009. She obtained her MD summa cum laude from the American University of Antigua. She went to train in diagnostic radiology at the University of Mississippi medical center and graduated in June 2020. In her free time she enjoys cooking, exercising, and spending time with her family.
“I am honored to have the unique opportunity to train with Dr. Brem and work with such a diverse patient population. Not only do we treat patients, we also gain invaluable experience in community outreach and education. The skills I have learned will certainly have a lasting impact on my career and approach to patients.”
Dr. Zhou originally hails from Dallas, Texas. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Duke University, before returning to Texas to complete medical school at University of Texas, Houston, and internship at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. She then moved to the Bay Area to complete a combined nuclear medicine and diagnostic radiology residency at University of California, Davis.
“It is exciting to be one of the breast imaging fellows at the George Washington University working with Dr. Brem and the other wonderful breast imaging specialists. I am grateful to be part of a high-volume training program with access to state-of-the art equipment, a robust research environment and an amazing team of physicians, technologists and support staff. The Brem Foundation’s mission aligns with two of my particular interests in radiology: patient access to medical imaging and patient education.”
Originally from the DC metropolitan area, Dr. Smilanich obtained her undergraduate degree in Anthropology from Brigham Young University in Utah and then returned to DC to attend medical school at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She completed an internal medicine internship at Greater Baltimore Medical Center and radiology residency at the George Washington University Hospital.
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to train under Dr. Brem’s guidance. It has allowed me to become not only a skilled mammographer, but a more compassionate and empathetic clinician. The Brem Foundation has been an integral part of the community providing expert education about early detection, access to diagnostic tests for women in need and also training physicians who, in turn, affect many more lives. It is an honor and a privilege to work with a group of talented radiologists who advocate for breast cancer patients and provide community outreach as well as education outside the medical practice.”
Dr. Gafoor is originally from Kurdistan. He grew up in Michigan where he earned his undergraduate degree and medical degree from Wayne State University. He completed his internship at Oakwood Hospital and his diagnostic radiology residency at Beaumont Health. Dr. Gafoor finished his training as a Brem Fellow, completing his Breast Imaging & Intervention Fellowship at The George Washington University Hospital.
“The George Washington University breast imaging program stands out from the rest because of the Brem Foundation. As a fellow here, not only am I training under the guidance of Dr. Brem and other experts in our field, but I have the opportunity as a Brem fellow to serve as an advocate for my patients outside of the breast imaging center. The unique component of the Brem Foundation allows me to actively serve as a community leader and educator on issues of women’s health and empowerment, as well as women’s access to comprehensive healthcare - these are all issues that are important to me as a physician, a woman, and most importantly as a human. I am honored and grateful to be part of this team.”
Cristina was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She graduated from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, and completed her residency at Main Line Health in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Saba Khan is a proud native of sunny Florida. She earned her undergraduate degree in Molecular Biology and Microbiology at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, and her medical degree at the LECOM Bradenton campus. She went on to complete a diagnostic radiology residency at Rutgers in Newark, New Jersey. During her time there, she served as a union leader in the national resident union, the Committee of Interns and Residents, where she developed a passion for advocacy and worker's rights.
"I am honored to be selected to work with such a talented group of radiologists. What appeals to me the most about this fellowship is the unique emphasis on community outreach and patient education. My goal this upcoming year is to learn as much as possible, not just about diagnostic imaging and breast cancer, but also about delivering compassionate care to my patients. "
Dr. Yasmin Mekhail is a proud native of Cleveland, Ohio. She obtained both her undergraduate degree in biology and her medical degree at George Washington University. She then went to Tampa, Florida to complete her diagnostic radiology residency at the University of South Florida. During residency, she began her training in breast imaging at Moffitt Cancer Center. She is excited to return to DC to finish her training at GW.
"I am thrilled to have this unique opportunity provided by the Brem Foundation to combine my interest in community service and women's health advocacy with my passion for breast imaging."
“I was truly honored to be offered the position of a Brem fellow. This fellowship offers a truly unique experience, providing a great education in interpreting breast imaging studies, but also teaches one how to provide compassionate care for patient’s in their time of need, how to educate women about breast cancer screening and diagnosis, and empower them to take charge of their health.”
Dr. Taylor is from South Bend, Indiana. She completed her undergraduate degree in biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame and her medical degree at Temple University. She then completed her training in diagnostic radiology at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania. It was here she was first exposed to breast imaging, realizing the importance of receiving exceptional training in breast imaging given how impactful this field is in the lives of women. She will be returning to Geisinger Medical Center following fellowship to continue a career in breast imaging and plans to use the skills she learned in fellowship to provide compassionate care for her patients.
"This program, with the support of the Brem Foundation, provides a fellowship that is unparalleled - the balance between education, experience, teaching, leadership and community involvement helps form extremely well-rounded and talented breast radiologists, and I could not be more proud to call myself a Brem Fellow."
Born and raised in Kansas City, Dr. Huppe completed her undergraduate degree, medical school and diagnostic radiology residency at the University of Kansas. Her father is a breast imager at the University of Kansas, which inspired her to pursue a career in the field. Knowing the importance of receiving specialized training in breast radiology and encouraged by her dad, she accepted a fellowship at George Washington University under Dr. Rachel Brem, knowing that she would be learning from some of the most highly regarded specialists in the country. She will return to the University of Kansas at the end of the fellowship to continue a career focused in breast imaging, and is incredibly thankful for the tremendous amount of experience and knowledge she gained from GWU.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity to receive training under Dr. Brem. During this training I have learnt a valuable lesson from her, that we are not just breast imagers but we are breast clinicians and we should always be there for our patients during the time they need us the most. This makes me feel proud of the career path that I have chosen and look forward to dedicate myself and do my best to be a perfect breast clinician.”
After graduating from Terna Medical College (Mumbai) India, Dr. Khorjekar came to this country where she completed her Nuclear Medicine Residency at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC and received her board certification for the same in 2013. In addition to this, she also completed a Radiology Residency from George Washington University in June 2016.
Dr. Khorjekar was strongly inclined to pursue a career in women’s imaging after completing a 3 month mini fellowship during her Radiology residency. This aspiration landed her at the Breast Imaging Fellowship working under Dr. Brem at GWU.
When Dr. Khorjekar is not reading images she is busy cooking, spending time with her family or going places.
"It was an honor to be offered the position as a Brem Fellow. Being trained to detect breast cancer in it’s earliest and most treatable stage along with combing compassionate care makes this fellowship unique. It is a privilege to work with a talented group of radiologists, who strive to provide excellent and compassionate care for their patients."
Dr. Oncale is from Thibodaux, Louisiana. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana, where he graduated summa cum laude. He then attended Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana where he graduated with honors and is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Dr. Oncale had the privilege to complete his diagnostic radiology residency at the Ochnser Clinic Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. His interests include cooking, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
“Being a breast imaging fellow, with the support of the Brem Foundation, means going the extra mile and communicating directly with my patients – whether explaining the imaging findings or biopsy results, and always acknowledging the fact that there is a face and a life behind the images that I see on my screen.”
Dr. Thomas is from Oklahoma City, OK, and completed her medical education at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and her residency in diagnostic radiology at Texas A&M Health Science Center / Baylor Scott & White Healthcare in Temple, TX. During residency, she was first exposed to the principles of breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment and decided to specialize in breast imaging and intervention after seeing the amazing impact that early detection can have. She is excited to learn and experience as much as possible with Dr. Brem and colleagues at GW Breast Imaging this year in order to provide the highest standard of care to her patients.
"With the help of the Brem Foundation, I have been able to learn the most up-to-date techniques in breast imaging in an environment that fosters community outreach and compassionate care.”
Dr. Ling is a native Californian. She moved to Washington, D.C. to attend medical school at The George Washington University. While in medical school, Dr. Ling’s interest in breast imaging was piqued when she worked on early Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) research with Dr. Brem. After medical school, Caroline completed her residency in diagnostic radiology at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. With the help of the Brem Foundation, she returned to D.C. as a Brem Fellow.
After her Brem Fellowship, Dr. Ling plans to move back to Pennsylvania to serve the communities of Western Philadelphia.
"It is very rare to be part of a fellowship program that incorporates community outreach as a main component of training. Community service is a vital part of the Fellowship, and participation in the Brem Foundation will have a long-lasting impact on my career."
Dr. Ibrahim is a native of New Jersey, where she completed her undergraduate training at Rutgers University and subsequently went to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She completed her internship and radiology residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Dr. Ibrahim is currently a Brem Breast Imaging Fellow.
Community service and outreach has always been very important to Dr. Ibrahim. She is very grateful to have the opportunity to participate in the Brem Foundation’s fellowship. She is very excited about continuing to serve uninsured patients through the services of a mammovan at her future job in New Jersey.
“I was very excited to join the GW breast care center as a Brem Fellow. The program is well-known for providing excellent and innovative care to patients. The support and education I have received has been unparalleled. I am learning new techniques for breast imaging and understanding the disease in a way that will enable me to effectively help others fight it in the future.”
Dr. Copeland is from Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated from Howard University College and received her M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Dr. Copeland had the pleasure of completing her radiology residency in Brooklyn at Maimonides Medical Center. After her Brem Fellowship, she will be joining a hospital-based practice in Northern New Jersey. She is excited to share and continue utilizing all that she has learned during this year.
"I am very grateful to the Brem Foundation for giving me the opportunity to train as a breast imaging specialist, and for nurturing a greater passion for fighting breast cancer as a physician. The Brem Foundation educates individual radiologists each year who, in turn, affect many more lives. The Brem Fellowship inspired me to be an advocate for breast cancer patients, and to provide community outreach and education outside of my medical practice.”
Dr. Kim-Ahn is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada. She earned her B.A. from Stanford University and her M.D. from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS). She completed her radiology residency at the Madigan Army Medical Center. Prior to her Brem Fellowship, Gina served in the U.S. Army as a general radiologist, gaining experience and interest in women's imaging—particularly breast disease. In July 2014, after she completed her Army service , she began her Brem Fellowship. Dr. Kim-Ahn is currently practicing at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center after completing her Brem Fellowship. She works in close partnership with breast surgeons and is an active participant on breast-tumor boards.
The Brem Fellowship allowed Dr. Kim-Ahn to manage challenging cases that are often referred to tertiary centers. She has been an active speaker for the TOGETHER Korean women's breast cancer support group in the local Washington, D.C. Metro area and has given medical seminars on breast cancer screening for the Korean American Community Service Center.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to have trained under Dr. Brem and learn not only what it means to interpret the images but also the importance of providing a shoulder to lean on during a stressful time for patients and their families. I look forward to bringing the training I received from Dr. Brem to the residents in training at the University of Mississippi.”
Dr. Marks graduated from Millsaps College and the University of Mississippi Medical School. She completed her radiology residency at the University of Mississippi as well. Dr. Marks completed her Brem Fellowship in Breast Imaging and Intervention under the guidance of Dr. Rachel Brem. Dr. Marks is an attending physician at the University of Mississippi’s Breast Imaging Center.
"Dr. Brem showed me what is possible when all women have access to personalized, caring, and compassionate breast healthcare. I strive to exemplify the qualities of a Brem Fellow every day in my practice.”
Dr. Quinn is originally from Honolulu, Hawai'i. In 2005, she graduated from Rice University with a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.A. in Statistics. She received her M.D. cum laude from the Georgetown University School of Medicine in 2009, and went on to train in diagnostic radiology at Boston University Medical Center. She trained with Dr. Brem as a Brem Fellow in 2014, and currently practices as a Breast and Women's Imaging Specialist in Buffalo, NY, where she resides with her husband, Tim, and their two children, Sawyer and Harris. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, practicing yoga, and renovating her home.
"I am grateful for my time as a Brem Fellow. Not only did I learn to care for my patients, I learned to care for my community—to empower women with knowledge and to champion their needs.”
Dr. Anjali Malik received her B.A. in Public Health from The Johns Hopkins University and her M.D. from Tulane University. She completed her residency in Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Texas - Southwestern. In 2013, Dr. Malik began her Brem Fellowship. Currently, she is a Breast Imaging and Intervention Specialist at Eastern Radiologists, Inc. in Greenville, NC. In the summer of 2016, she will be transitioning to a new position as a physician at Washington Radiology Associates in Washington, D.C. She is passionate about breast imaging, women’s health issues, and preventive medicine and measures.
"I was honored to be selected as a Brem Fellow. The fellowship experience gave me the tools to provide the best possible care for patients. Working with Dr. Brem taught me the importance of individualized breast cancer screening for each woman. The Brem Foundation also emphasizes community involvement and the importance of caring for those in our society who might otherwise be unable to access proper breast health care. The skills I acquired during my fellowship serve me well every day, and the lessons I learned will resonate with me throughout my life.”
Dr. Denise Thigpen is from Austin, TX. She earned her undergraduate degree in Bioengineering at Rice University with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Engineering. In 2007, she earned her M.D. at the University of Texas Health Science Center. She completed her internship and radiology residency at the National Capital Consortium. She served at Walter Reed as a general radiologist and ultrasound division officer before being selected as a Brem Fellow. Currently, she is a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy, and is the Director Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Breast Imaging Center in Bethesda, MD.
Dr. Thigpen is devoted to the early detection and advanced treatment of breast cancer. She fosters a team approach and individualized breast cancer screening to ensure the most advanced medical care for her patients. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband, Jared, and their two children.