Mello-Thoms, Claudia

Summaries of Independent Scientist (K) Awards

Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Grant Title: MammoTutor: An Internet-Based Computer Tutoring System to Teach General Radiologists
Grant Number: K01 HS018365
Duration: 4 years (2009-2013)
Total Award: $437,000

Project Description: The aim of this research is to develop a computer-based cognitive tutoring system that can teach generalists and novice radiologists how to detect early-staged breast cancer and how to reduce the number of unnecessary biopsy recommendations.

Career Goals: Dr. Mello-Thoms is a Research Assistant Professor in both the Department of Radiology and the Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Pittsburgh. She received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Rutgers University. The grantee would like to be on the forefront in the development of new training methods involving the physician-human interaction with technology.

Progress to Date: During the first year, the grantee calculated the minimum number of mammogram cases needed to show a minimum improvement in performance after training with the system. About 1/3 of the cases needed for the deployment of MammoTutor have been collected. Work has begun on the development of some of the modules for the tutoring system.

Future Plans: The grantee will complete the collection of the 500 digital mammogram cases needed to complete the database. All MammoTutor's modules will be completed.

Highlights and Specific Accomplishments:

• Recipient of the 2003 Herbert M. Stauffer Award for best clinical science paper
• Panel Member, FDA Hematology and Pathology Devices Advisory Committee
• Grant reviewer, DOD/Army Breast Cancer Research Program

K-Generated Publications: None thus far.

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