Dr. Barbara Schepps Wong, a trailblazing radiologist and former Clinical Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Brown University's Warren Alpert School of Medicine, passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 82, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Her life was a testament to perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers in medicine, particularly for women in the field.
Born in 1942 to Rose and Melvin Schepps in Chester, PA, Barbara grew up in modest circumstances but excelled academically from an early age. Her journey in medicine began at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her undergraduate degree while working in research labs to fund her education. She went on to receive her M.D. from Hahnemann Medical College in 1964, supporting herself by working in the emergency room at Hahnemann Hospital.
Throughout her career, Dr. Wong faced and overcame gender discrimination, paving the way for future generations of women in medicine. In Columbus, OH, she successfully fought for pay parity for female doctors at Ohio State University Hospital. Later, after being rejected by a radiology chief who stated he would never hire a woman radiologist, she found her home at Ray Medical Group (later renamed Rhode Island Medical Imaging or RIMI) in Rhode Island.
Dr. Wong's leadership and expertise were instrumental in RIMI's growth and prominence. She served as the group's president for more than 15 years. During her tenure, RIMI became the primary radiology group affiliated with Brown Medical School and one of the most prestigious radiology practices in the country. Her crowning achievement was founding the Anne C. Pappas Center for Breast Imaging at Rhode Island Hospital 28 years ago, which set the standard for breast screening programs in the region.
Dr. Wong's journey with Alzheimer's began around 2019 when her husband, Dr. Richard Wong, noticed she was having trouble with her memory and expressing herself. They sought help from Dr. Steve Salloway and Brittany Dawson at the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital in Providence, RI.
"We watched Barbara having trouble with her memory and expressing herself," Dr. Richard Wong recalled in a recent interview. "Steve Salloway, who was at that time a neurologist at Butler and running the memory program - I was friendly with him, we played golf together - I called him, and of course, he said come right in."
After extensive testing, Dr. Barbara Wong was diagnosed with early cognitive deficit, likely secondary to early Alzheimer's. The Wongs' experience with the Memory and Aging Program was positive from the beginning. Dr. Richard Wong praised the team's approach saying, "We found solace in their advice. And the fact that they did not sugarcoat anything... It really sparked a desire to investigate the problem for yourself and try to make sense of it."
Although Dr. Barbara Wong did not qualify for clinical trials, the Memory and Aging Program provided ongoing support and guidance throughout her journey with the disease. Dr. Richard Wong emphasized the importance of having access to specialists knowledgeable in Alzheimer's care. "I knew that they would have us in mind if they saw any glimpse of something that would be of help to us. And unfortunately, there was nothing, but we were confident that we would be apprised of it at the earliest possible time that we could avail ourselves."
The Wongs explored various treatment options, including functional medicine and lifestyle changes. They adopted a Mediterranean-style diet and tried numerous supplements. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when Dr. Barbara Wong suffered a stroke in 2020, leaving her unable to speak, swallow, or use her right arm and leg.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Richard Wong was determined to honor his wife's wish never to be placed in a nursing home. He became her primary caregiver, a role he describes as "the hardest job I've ever had." The couple faced numerous obstacles, including the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, but found solace in simple pleasures like listening to music together during daily car rides.
"I call that period of our existence listening to the songbook of our lives," Dr. Richard Wong shared. "We had an extensive music collection... Frequently, she would remember the words to the music, which was remarkable because she wouldn't remember much else."
Throughout their journey, the Wongs continued to receive support from the Memory and Aging Program. Dr. Richard Wong stressed the value of this ongoing connection: "I think the people at Butler are kind of the backbone. They start having treatments for Alzheimer's, for early disease. I'm hoping that will be fruitful in helping to alleviate things going forward."
For those facing a similar journey, Dr. Richard Wong offers valuable advice based on his experience, emphasizing the importance of finding the right physician: "Get yourself a good doctor, either a gerontologist or a family doctor who is sympathetic to you and who is available." He also strongly recommends joining a caregiver support group, something he didn't realize the importance of until later in his journey.
"I think the one thing I got out of that is people should try to get into a compatible group where you can actually express your feelings, opinions, and tricks to other people and to learn about these things," he reflected. "Looking back at it, I think the other thing is I probably could have benefited from psychiatric or psychological support."
Dr. Barbara Wong's legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched as a physician, mentor, and pioneer in women's health. Her husband's dedication to her care serves as a powerful testament to their enduring love and partnership. As research continues at institutions like the Memory and Aging Program at Butler Hospital, there is hope that future generations may benefit from new treatments and interventions for Alzheimer's disease.
The Wongs' experience underscores the critical role that specialized memory care programs play in supporting patients and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. From early diagnosis to ongoing care and potential participation in cutting-edge research, these programs offer a beacon of hope and support in the face of a challenging journey.