SUMMARY
Wendaline M. VanBuren, M.D., is a board-certified radiologist, subspecialized in ultrasound, abdominopelvic and breast imaging. Her interests center on abdominal radiology, with a particular focus on gynecological imaging for endometriosis. Dr. VanBuren works to find new ways to understand endometriosis, including the natural biology of the disease and its impact on fertility.
Dr. VanBuren is a leader in gynecological imaging education, and she takes pride in advocacy and propagating a passion for medical imaging and clinical collaboration. Her ongoing work is frequently highlighted at a variety of national and international radiology and gynecology conferences.
Focus areas
- Innovation of endometriosis ultrasound and MRI for clinical application in scan parameters, applications, protocols, indications and reporting.
- Development of specific nerve, diaphragm and pleural protocols for endometriosis ultrasound and MRI.
- Multimodality imaging to optimize surgical planning.
- Endometriosis-associated malignancy and borderline tumors.
- Endometriosis imaging phenotypes and behavior.
- Nuclear medicine tracers for endometriosis and bowel specific radiotracers.
- Artificial intelligence for endometriosis imaging.
Significance to patient care
Dr. VanBuren believes there is much to discover in endometriosis imaging and that the impact of such discoveries on patient care will be tremendous. In her studies, Dr. VanBuren has observed the positive effects that new imaging applications have on patient care. She advocates for clinical models, education and research to improve earlier disease detection. Through her leadership in endometriosis imaging research and education, she aims to advance the ability of healthcare professionals to detect this disease, plan operations to treat it and improve patient response to care.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Gynecological Imaging Section, Division of Abdominal Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 2022-present.
- Co-founder and co-chair, Endometriosis Disease-Focused Panel, Society of Abdominal Radiology, 2017-present.
- Co-founder and co-director, Mayo Clinic Gynecologic and Breast Imaging Review, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, 2017-present.
- Senior author, Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound Consensus on Endometriosis, Radiology, 2024.
- Invited guest editor, special edition on endometriosis, Abdominal Radiology, 2020.