Rate My Professor Ann Poulos

Dr. Ann Poulos serves as Adjunct Associate Professor in the Discipline of Medical Imaging Science at the University of Sydney. With a career spanning over four decades in radiography research and education commencing in 1984, she brings extensive expertise to her role. Her academic background includes radiography training at Guy’s Hospital in London, a Bachelor of Arts from Macquarie University, a Diploma of Education, an Honours degree in Psychology and Sociology, and a PhD from the University of Sydney awarded in 2001. Her doctoral research examined breast compression in mammography, addressing optimal application to improve image quality while minimizing patient discomfort.

Poulos joined the University of Sydney in 1994, progressing to Senior Lecturer in the School of Medical Radiation Sciences within the Faculty of Health Sciences, now part of the Faculty of Medicine and Health. She held the position of Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Drawing from her clinical experience in the New South Wales BreastScreen Program, she has focused her research on mammography optimization, including positioning, compression, image quality, patient perceptions, and barriers to screening for women with physical disabilities. Notable publications include "Breast compression in mammography: How much is enough?" published in Australasian Radiology in 2003, "The application of breast compression in mammography: a new perspective" in Radiography in 2004, "Having a Mammogram: How does it feel?" in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences in 2004, and "Disability and mammography screening: intangible barriers to participation" in 2011. In 2005, she secured a three-year research grant from the National Breast Cancer Foundation to investigate underutilization of mammography by women with disabilities.

She played a pivotal role in developing the mammography education program accredited by the Australian Institute of Radiography in partnership with BreastScreen NSW. Poulos has supervised numerous Master's and PhD students, contributed to the Editorial Board of The Radiographer, and delivered presentations at conferences across Australia and internationally. Her contributions have significantly elevated the research profile of radiography, particularly in mammographic practice, fostering evidence-based improvements in clinical standards and educational curricula.