In this episode of MedStar Health DocTalk, host Debra Schindler sits down with Dr. Nicole Sakla, a breast radiologist and published researcher in artificial intelligence, to explore how AI is changing the way mammograms are read and how it can help radiologists detect disease earlier, sometimes by years.

Learn how AI tools flag subtle patterns invisible to the human eye, act as a double-check system for radiologists, and may reduce unnecessary callbacks and missed cancers—all without replacing the human expertise behind every diagnosis. Dr. Sakla also clears up misconceptions about AI in medicine, explains how it’s trained to be accurate across diverse patients, and shares what excites her most about the next generation of AI technology in breast imaging.

Listen now for a fascinating, accessible look into how human expertise and machine learning are working together to advance early detection and patient care.

For more information about breast imaging and screening at MedStar Health, medstarhealth.org/breasthealth or call the breast center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center: 202-877-2800.

If you would like to comment on this podcast, or recommend a topic for another episode of DocTalk, send an email: DocTalk@medstar.net

For an interview with Nicole Sakla, MD, or for more information about this podcast, contact Debra Schindler, media relations.