NEWS

My First Experience at ASBD 2025: a small journey, a big motivation

I still remember the morning I arrived in the Gold Coast: gentle sunshine, a salty sea breeze, and that mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with a “first time.” My first time attending ASBD 2025, my first time standing before such a large international community of breast imaging, surgery, oncology, and pathology— all speaking the same “language”: how to care for patients better.

The conference atmosphere felt pleasantly unique—formal yet warm, academic yet open. I entered the morning sessions as a learner: taking notes, asking questions, and thinking about how to “translate” international knowledge into daily practice in Vietnam. The session on risk assessment and screening strategies gave me a new mental map: personalising screening and reading/using evidence without being overwhelmed by a flood of guidelines. The session on nutrition, diets, and supplements acted like a noise filter—less trend-driven excitement, more patience with data.

Alongside the scientific talks, the debate session based on a set of interesting clinical cases was truly engaging: speakers presented different approaches, the panel offered sharp rebuttals, and key decision points were distilled into practical takeaways—knowledge one could bring home and apply immediately. The AI workshop helped me connect the dots—from concepts to implementation pathways, from illustrative cases to clinical decision support; I could picture more clearly how a structured AI workflow might be integrated into screening and diagnosis.

Standing beside my poster—“MRI-derived Radiomics for Breast Cancer Subtype Classification: A Modeling Approach”—made “radiomics” feel closer.

Many delegates stopped by and asked, “Radiomics sounds ‘fancy,’ but what does it really mean?” That disarmingly honest question opened up conversations about modelling image features, predicting molecular phenotypes non-invasively, and the role of AI at the intersection of research ambition and clinical reality.

During the breaks, I met colleagues from Australia and across the region. Each story offered a slice of the system: how screening is organised, backlogs managed, teams trained, and quality measured. The gala dinner was a gentle reminder that science grows through trusted relationships.

Finally, my sincere thanks to the ASBD Organising Committee for a thoughtful program full of positive energy. I am also grateful for the Travel Grant funded by ASBD (approved by Mrs. Kerry Eyles) and for Rebecca Sullivan’s careful logistical support.

Mrs. Kerry Eyles left a warm, courteous, and highly professional impression; throughout the conference, I observed how attentively and meticulously she supported speakers and delegates, making everyone feel welcome.

Thanks to that support, my “first time” in Australia felt complete: I brought home new knowledge, new professional connections, and renewed motivation to continue my journey in breast imaging research at Vinmec International Hospital and in Vietnam.

                                                                                      ASBD Executive Officer Kerry Eyles & Dr Hue Tran

With sincere thanks,

Hue Tran, MD – Vinmec Times City International Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam