Debra Somers Copit, MD, FACR

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Get to know Diagnostic Radiologist and Breast Imaging Specialist Dr. Debra Somers Copit, who serves patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Recognized as a skilled diagnostic radiologist, Dr. Copit specializes in all aspects of breast imaging and is an expert in tomosynthesis techniques. She is dedicated to her patients, and always strives to combine the latest technologies with a compassionate, caring approach to ensure that they receive the best care. 

“What drives me every day is I believe in what I do. I believe mammography saves lives, and I believe that if I come to work every day and do my job the way I’m supposed to, then I’m going to save lives. I think that feeling like you’re going to save somebody’s life – wow, that’s what drives me” expressed Dr. Copit.

Serving as the director of breast imaging at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia for 25 years, her role was to ensure that Einstein had a state-of-the-art breast imaging program that took excellent care of patients, encompassed advanced technology and equipment, and boosted a highly experienced team of technologists and radiologists who specialize in breast imaging.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Copit graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where she majored in anthropology and minored in Spanish, chemistry and pre-med. Then, she attended Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and completed her internship in internal medicine at Pennsylvania Hospital. 

Upon starting her residency in diagnostic radiology at Einstein, she completed it at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, when her husband Steve – also a physician – was matched with a fellowship in Dallas. There, Dr. Copit had the opportunity to become the first full-year fellow at the Baylor-Komen Breast Center.

Experienced in using medical imaging techniques, she is board-certified in diagnostic radiology by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). The ABR is an independent, not-for-profit organization and is one of 24 national medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Professionally, Dr. Copit serves many local and national organizations and committees that are committed to improving the quality of breast cancer diagnosis and the education of colleagues, residents, and patients. She is on the Medical Advisory Board of Living Beyond Breast Cancer and a Fellow of the American College of Radiology (FACR).

Diagnostic radiology refers to the field of medicine that uses non-invasive imaging scans to diagnose a patient. The tests and equipment used sometimes involve low doses of radiation to create highly detailed images of an area. A diagnostic radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disease and injury, using medical imaging techniques such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, positron emission tomography (PET), fusion imaging, and ultrasound.

Honored for her expertise, Dr. Copit was awarded the Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s Founder’s Award in 2012. She was also selected as a 2008, 2011, and 2012 “Top Doc” by Philadelphia magazine.

Outside of practicing medicine, she loves cooking and baking, exercising, doing yoga, going to concerts, and reading. Her favorite restaurants are Vernick and Tacconelli’s; her favorite sports team is the Philadelphia eagles; her favorite movies are When Harry Met Sally and Lord of the Rings; her favorite books are Shadow of the Wind and A Fine Balance; and her favorite vacation spot is Vail, Colorado.

A little-known fact about Dr. Copit is that she is a “Dead Head”, having seen the Grateful Dead in concert over 100 times. She also follows Further – in fact, she saw them for four nights in a row in Mexico for her 50th birthday.

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