Suzanne LeBlang - passionate about patient care and the Focused Ultrasound Foundation

She loved it even more when older she got to go to work with him and could observe the inner workings of a hospital. This ignited her passion that has led her to where she is now. We were delighted to ask her questions for our Women in Science feature.

Could you give us an overview of your work?​

I’m a neuroradiologist who has performed focused ultrasound procedures since 2004, and I use that knowledge in my current role as the director of clinical relationships at the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. The most intriguing role I have at the Foundation is to convene experts to collaborate and bring clinical applications from bench side to bedside, meaning that we identify which focused ultrasound applications have the most prominent clinical applicability and help move them into the first-in-human clinical trials.  

I also spread awareness about the technology with medical experts and educate lay audiences as well. I love talking to people about how focused ultrasound works, the different mechanisms of action, and clinical applications, and how this incisionless and radiation-free technology can improve patient care.  

When did you realize you were interested in science - as a young child, teen, or older?​

When I was young, my father was a cardiologist. I remember listening to him talk on the phone at night with other clinicians about the patients, what kind of care they needed, and if they should have a procedure or be put on a certain medication. I loved trying to follow the conversation and was mesmerized by the medical vocabulary. When I was older, my father used to bring me to the hospital. I vividly remember watching the interactions between the doctors, nurses, social workers, and the patients and their families. I thought it was such a great purpose in life—to work with others to help those who were suffering.

Could you describe your personal journey bringing us to where you are now?​

In 2003, I was working in a private, hybrid radiology practice where we also conducted research. We were a GE test site in Florida, so we tested the newest software and hardware. I absolutely love anatomy and seeing the way the different organ systems are arranged and how they communicate with each other on imaging studies. It makes me marvel at how our bodies are amazing machines! We also did pharmaceutical research, such as with Alzheimer’s drugs, and looked at potential complications in the brain on imaging studies.

While there, I first learned of focused ultrasound and was amazed that a new type of “noninvasive” surgery existed. The technology was first FDA-approved for uterine fibroids in 2004. As a neuroradiologist, I was not the clinician expected to conduct the first focused ultrasound procedure on fibroids, but on the day of the procedure, the physician who was supposed to perform it became sick and asked me to do it instead because I was the only woman in the practice and thus likely understood female pelvic anatomy!

The patient was awake, but they felt almost nothing as I conducted the first focused ultrasound ablation of a uterine fibroid in a private practice. At that moment, I knew this was the future of medicine, and since then, not a day has gone by when I haven’t thought about how focused ultrasound can be adapted to help patients with a variety of diseases from head to toe.

What challenges did you face - as a woman or otherwise - along the way and what is the most valuable lesson you have learned?​

There have been many challenges as a woman in the field of medicine, yet that’s what life is about. Life is a series of challenges, whether you’re a woman, whether you or a loved one or friend are suffering from an illness or having economic difficulties. Perhaps the greatest struggle that also gave me the most satisfaction was balancing a career and raising my 3 children.  I wanted both a meaningful career and a family.  I was not afraid to ask for help, and between my husband, my family, and friends, it took a village, but my 3 children are now adults. Nothing is insurmountable.

I don’t see challenges as a setback, I see them as opportunities. Opportunities to grow as a person and positively affect the people around you.

What ignites your passion in your current role?​

Knowing there’s a tremendous amount of pain and suffering in patients. In the medical field, we can continuously improve the care of patients, and they deserve access to better care. I’m also passionate about the community I work with. The ecosystem we’ve developed within and around the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, including researchers, societies, and nonprofits, is inspiring. Everyone has a common goal, and there's no stopping you when you’re on a team like that.

What is your current work ethos/style?​

My current work philosophy is to dive into the details and become an expert in every project that I do. I can’t do anything halfway. I’m all in. If there’s a subject I need to talk about or a patient I need to speak to, I must be an expert on everything about that issue. It takes a lot of time and effort, but it’s all about the details. If you are passionate and confident enough to become an expert in that field, you can help it advance.

Could you share some advice for young women starting to develop an interest in science or wanting to pursue a career like yours?​

I would encourage every woman to go into the medical field. There are so many ways to contribute: as a clinician, researcher, engineer, or even on the business side. As an MD, It is a lot of hard work and time to progress through medical school, residency, and fellowship, but you’re going to meet the most fascinating people and challenge yourself to think and problem-solve. People are suffering from so many diseases, and if you can give them the opportunity to have an improved quality of life through your passion for science, there’s no better feeling.