Meeting MI: Dr. Amro Masarwah

#MeetingMI offers the Department of Medical Imaging the opportunity to meet the members of MI and learn about their experience in their own words, starting with the next generation of radiologists: MI Residents and Fellows.

Name: Amro Masarwah
|Pronouns: He/Him
Residency Training Program name & PGY or Fellowship name: Breast Imaging - JDMI
Hospital site: JDMI – PMH, MSH and WCH

1. What inspired you to pursue Breast Imaging fellowship?
I was inspired to pursue this fellowship primarily because of the prestigious international reputation of the University of Toronto and Temerty Faculty of Medicine. The institution is internationally recognized for its excellence in clinical training, research, and innovation, and I knew it would provide a unique opportunity to deepen my expertise in a world-class environment.

Additionally, having completed my previous training in the Nordic countries, I was eager to experience the different working culture in North America. I believe that being exposed to diverse medical systems, patient populations, and approaches to care will not only broaden my clinical perspective but also help me grow as a more adaptable and well-rounded physician. This fellowship represents the perfect next step in my professional journey.

2. You recently won the Roberta Jong Graduate Award for Study in Breast Cancer 2024; can you tell us about the research that contributed to winning this award?
Certainly. The award primarily recognizes my contributions to two research projects focused on improving outcomes for breast cancer patients through more precise diagnostics and long-term cardiovascular care.

The first project addressed a growing strain on the healthcare system—overdiagnosis and unnecessary biopsies from breast MRI. We explored the use of internationally validated diagnostic algorithms, to improve the accuracy of MRI interpretation and tissue sampling. By applying this approach, we significantly reduced false positives, improving diagnostic confidence and potentially decreasing unnecessary interventions. The goal was to enhance patient care while also reducing the burden on imaging and pathology services.

The second project I was lucky to be included in was a collaboration with the department of Cardiac imaging and focused on the prevalence and clinical relevance of breast arterial calcifications in breast cancer survivors, which is an incidental finding on mammograms that has been linked to elevated cardiovascular disease risk. Our study, based at Women’s College Hospital, investigated correlations between breast arterial calcifications and long-term cardiovascular events in breast cancer survivors—a population already at elevated risk due to the cardiotoxic effects of cancer therapies.

Together, these projects represent an intersection of imaging innovation and preventive care, which I believe aligns with the values of the Roberta Jong Award and the broader mission of improving long-term outcomes for breast cancer patients.

3. What does this award mean for you and your research and education going forward?
Being selected for the Roberta Jong Graduate Award is an incredible honor, and I’m truly grateful for this recognition. It’s both humbling and inspiring to have my work acknowledged in this way, especially in a field as impactful and evolving as breast cancer care.

This award is a strong encouragement to continue pushing forward with breast cancer research and to keep asking important questions that can lead to better outcomes for patients. It also serves as a reminder that learning is a lifelong journey. Looking ahead, this recognition motivates me to contribute meaningfully to the future of breast cancer research—both here in Canada and globally.

4. What are your career plans and goals after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to return to Finland to continue my work in both clinical practice and breast cancer research. Having had the opportunity to train and conduct research here in Canada has been incredibly enriching, and I’m looking forward to applying that experience in a Nordic healthcare setting.

One of my key goals is to bridge international perspectives by continuing research collaboration between North America and Northern Europe, particularly in areas like advanced breast imaging. I believe that by fostering strong international partnerships, we can accelerate innovation and share best practices across systems.

5. Tell us something about you that might surprise your colleagues!
Personally? Well, something that might surprise my colleagues is that I actually dislike sunny weather and hot summers! I grew up in Jordan, where it’s mostly sunny and quite warm, but I purposely moved to Finland and then to Canada—places known for their colder and cooler climates just to escape the sun and what most would consider “perfect weather”! I prefer more moderate days, not too hot and not too sunny. Give me a cloudy day or a crisp, cool breeze, and I’m much more comfortable and focused!