Eastern Radiologists is proud to welcome Dr. Bryan Jordan, an expert-trained breast imager who will join our staff at the Breast Imaging Center in Greenville. Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Jordan is no stranger to a college town. He earned his BS and MD degrees right there in his hometown at the University of South Alabama. He recently completed his fellowship at the University of Texas’s MD Anderson in Houston, specializing in breast imaging. He brings with him a young family of redheads—a 2-year-old daughter, 4-year-old son and wife Ravin.

What drew you to Greenville, NC?

“I did my fellowship at MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. The training was fantastic, but I decided pretty quickly that the huge metropolitan lifestyle wasn’t for me,” says Dr. Jordan. “I had an offer for a staff position there at MD Anderson, but when I came to Greenville to interview with Eastern Radiologists, it just felt like the right fit for me and my family. This is more what I’ve always envisioned for my family. Mobile is a college town too, and I can see my kids growing up the way I did and going on to ECU, in the same way that I went on to South Alabama,” he says. “Plus I’ll be spending 90 – 95% of my time at the Breast Imaging Center, which I love. I really connected with Dr. Griffin (Director of Breast Imaging) right off the bat—we’re very similar in attitude, affect and approach to patient care. I’m really thrilled to be joining this team.”

What’s your favorite thing about being a breast imager?

“I like to interact with patients and be an active part of their care. During my residency and fellowship, our breast imaging rotation was all about the patient. We gave ‘on line’ results of screening exams and communicated directly with the patient, continuing with diagnostics when necessary,” he explains. “I really enjoyed that. Interacting with patients and other physicians lets me feel more plugged in and more enthused. There is never a dull moment in this environment. And I love being part of a team and working together with pathologists, oncologists and surgeons to ensure the overall success of the patient.”

What’s your take on the new mammography guidelines? 

“I’m very much opposed to waiting until 50 to start mammograms,” he quickly answers. “I don’t understand how the USPSTF [United States Preventive Services Task Force] can put that recommendation out there in good conscience. So many deaths can be prevented by starting an annual mammogram routine at 40, and that is statistically proven. I just don’t budge on that. But I think it’s okay not to budge on that. It’s okay for people to be emotional about this issue. It’s okay to be passionate. Because it shows that we, as breast imagers, care deeply for our patients and we do have the data to support that 40 is the age to start.”

What’s the toughest job you’ve ever had?

“Working in a shipyard, hands down,” says Dr. Jordan. “My dad told me that I could either work to put myself through college, or just work. Either way I needed a job, so I got one at a shipyard in Mobile so that I could make some decent money and work weekends while going to college. That job taught me patience and attention to detail, that’s for sure. Everything had to be done to military standards. It was a tough job, but I worked my way up the ladder to Atlantic Marine Class I Rigger, directing a crane and cable support for military vessel repairs. It was exhausting, but I stuck with it all four years of college, and I graduated with no college loans or debts. But then I gave that up in medical school and just went into debt,” he laughs.

How do you like to spend your free time? 

“Most of my free time is spent with the kids and letting them partake in things that tire them out sufficiently enough that they’ll go to sleep at night,” he laughs. “We’ve already made some good friends here, and we’re enjoying grilling with them and getting to know each other and watching our children play together. It already feels like home.”