During her distinguished career as a physician and expert in breast imaging, Kathleen Greatrex, MD ’90, has remained committed to clinical excellence, education and service. Throughout her career, she has carried with her a deep appreciation for the people who encouraged her along the way. 

“I never forget the people along the way who gave me encouraging words,” says Dr. Greatrex, who became president of the Medical Alumni Association (MAA) Board of Directors in July. “My dear friend and colleague, the late Dr. Fred Squires, was president of the MAA Board of Directors and encouraged me to get involved. I never imagined I’d eventually become a director, let alone be asked to serve as president.” 

Dr. Greatrex has served on the MAA Board since 2022. She is Clinical Assistant Professor of Breast Imaging in the Department of Radiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where she continues her work in education and patient care. 

A 1990 graduate of Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Greatrex was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. She completed her Diagnostic Radiology Residency at Temple University Hospital and a Fellowship in Breast and Body Imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. 

Her contributions to medicine have earned numerous honors, including recognition as a Top Doctor by Philadelphia Magazine. She has also been recognized for her work educating women and promoting mammogram screenings with the Women of Purpose award from the City of Camden, a Special Congressional Recognition and a Joint Legislative Commendation from the State of New Jersey. 

As Katz celebrates the 125th anniversary of the founding of Pennsylvania’s first co-educational medical school, Dr. Greatrex reflects on the people who shaped her career, her work in breast imaging and cancer advocacy, and the importance of helping future physicians pursue their own dreams. 

Who were the people who had a lasting impact on your career? 
Dina Caroline, MD, of Fox Chase Cancer Center mentored me throughout my residency. I also did a research paper with [the late] Dr. Mary Stuart Fisher, who was a real maverick and received the Marie Curie Award from the American College of Radiology. She was one of the people who told me I had a “good eye” for reading images. 

More than anyone else, though, my mother really changed my life. I wanted to become a doctor, but after graduating from college, I was stuck. One afternoon she walked into the kitchen and said, “We’re going to Temple Medical School to find out what you need to do to get admitted.” 

We met with Dr. Joseph Baum, a pathologist who served on the admissions committee and later became acting dean of the medical school two years before he retired. After we talked, he told me, “I’ve got a feeling about you. Someday you’re going to make it. Just do what I tell you to do.” 

I completed the post-baccalaureate courses he recommended and was eventually admitted to Temple Medical School. Three months later, my mother died of breast cancer. But she lived long enough to see me get in. 

When I returned after her funeral, Dr. Baum encouraged me to keep going. We met every week to review my progress. One day he pointed to the brick wall in his office and said, “Take each day like one brick. Pretty soon you’ll have built the whole wall, and you’ll be finished.” 

That advice carried me through medical school, residency and fellowship. 

Temple made that journey possible. That’s why I recently endowed the Rose and Charles R. Greatrex Endowed Scholarship in memory of my parents. My father, a 1963 graduate of Temple’s Fox School of Business, and my mother believed completely in the power of education, and I wanted to honor them both. 

Can you tell us about your career caring for, educating and advocating for breast cancer patients? 
The word “physician” also means “teacher.” My responsibility wasn’t just to interpret mammograms. It was to help women understand why screening matters, what breast cancer is and how early detection can save lives. Every patient I see is an opportunity to educate someone. 

Through a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, I worked extensively in Camden, New Jersey, visiting Baptist churches and speaking with women about the importance of mammograms. 

One of our goals was to remove barriers. Many women qualified for free mammograms but didn’t realize it or had misconceptions about screening. That work allowed me to take medicine beyond the walls of the hospital and into the community. 

My work is also deeply personal because I lost my mother to breast cancer, and three of her sisters were diagnosed with the disease as well. Breast cancer has affected my family in profound ways, so I understand what many of my patients are experiencing. 

Why did you want to serve as MAA Board President? 
The medical school is near and dear to my heart because, without being admitted, I would never have become who I am. I’m eternally grateful to be able to give something back. 

It’s wonderful to reach out to other alumni who also want to give back to help the medical school flourish and, in doing so, help our students flourish. That’s a big part of why I wanted to take on this role. 

What does “Temple Made” mean to you during Katz’s 125th anniversary? 
Dr. Greatrex: Temple’s training was rigorous and demanding, but it had a purpose. Temple graduates were exceptionally well prepared, both academically and professionally. 

Temple also taught me empathy. It prepared me to care for people from every background and to meet them where they are. Whether I’m caring for patients in my office or speaking to women in a Baptist church, I feel comfortable helping people who may not otherwise have access to the information or care they need. 

That’s what “Temple Made” means to me. Since 1901, Temple has graduated generations of outstanding physicians who have made extraordinary contributions to medicine. I hope this anniversary encourages alumni to reconnect with the school and celebrate everything Temple has accomplished. 

If you could share one message with every Temple medical alumnus in this 125th anniversary year, what would it be? 
Without Temple, many of us would never have fulfilled our dream of becoming physicians. Temple gave us the education, confidence, and compassion to succeed while never losing sight of the people we serve. Come back to celebrate this extraordinary institution. Stay connected. And help today’s students the way others once helped you. 

That’s how we ensure that Temple’s legacy continues for the next 125 years. 

To honor the ones who helped shape her journey, Dr. Greatrex established the Rose and Charles R. Greatrex Endowed Scholarship to support future Temple physicians. As the new president of the Medical Alumni Association, Dr. Greatrex is committed to helping more students pursue their dreams. Your gift to the Medical Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund will help the MAA support more future Temple physicians. Support the MAA Scholarship at giving.temple.edu/maascholarship