Born in Dearborn, Michigan, Gayle Roulier was the first in her family to attend medical school. She graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit followed by residency from Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn.

Dr. Roulier chose the field of Radiology because it offers unique and exciting challenges requiring a diverse knowledge of medicine. She also values the opportunity to problem solve alongside a variety of medical specialists. “Mammography adds the bonus of direct patient interaction allowing for physical correlation, patient education and participation in patient care,” said Dr. Roulier. She goes on to explain, “My greatest challenge is diagnosing cancer early and accurately while at the same time minimizing physical, emotional and financial stress to the patient.”

When Dr. Roulier completed her Women’s Imaging Fellowship at Magee Women’s Hospital at University of Pittsburgh, PA, in 1996, she became part of an elite group of fellowship trained mammography imagers. Her partnership with the Vista Radiology group in 1996 allowed her to bring updated practices to patients and physicians in the Knoxville and surrounding areas.

Her dedication to high quality patient care led Dr. Roulier, with the help of local surgeons and the Thompson Oncology Group, to start the regions first multidisciplinary breast clinic allowing for a team approach to breast cancer treatment. “Patients used to receive a diagnosis followed by multiple delays. Now, they meet with a team of multi-specialty physicians who present a treatment plan that was thoughtfully laid out during conference discussions,” explained Dr. Roulier. The patient is then paired with a nurse navigator who works closely with the team of physicians. She continued, “This approach results in reduced patient appointments and ensures coordinated care.”

In her spare time, Dr. Roulier enjoys her husband and five sons. She loves the outdoors and being on the move running, hiking, horseback riding, gardening and camping. On a quiet afternoon, you might find her reading, cross stitching or working her favorite puzzle.