I am a board-certified physician assistant (PA-C) who focuses on breast cancer and people who are at high-risk for breast cancer. After returning to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in 2019, I started the high-risk breast cancer screening program, known as RISE— Risk Assessment, Imaging, Surveillance, and Education, at the MSK Bergen location in New Jersey.

In addition to RISE, I support the breast surgeons at MSK Bergen. I am an expert in the diagnosis of both benign (non-cancerous) and advanced breast diseases, upper extremity and breast lymphedema, and axillary web syndrome – a condition also known as cording that develops after breast cancer surgery, typically involving axillary lymph node dissection. I perform procedures including postoperative seroma aspirations, which helps remove fluid buildup after surgery.

I work closely with the MSK genetics program, which has given me experience in educating and screening high-risk patients for genetic testing and counseling. Most commonly, I work with people who have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer.

I educate and follow patients with breast atypia, which are abnormal cells in the breast that are not cancer but could be a risk factor for developing breast cancer. My job also involves discussing treatment with chemoprevention. This includes medications such as Tamoxifen and other hormonal therapies, which can reduce the risk of developing cancer or prevent cancer from coming back.

Before joining MSK’s breast team, I worked in the operating room for breast surgery and have experience in treatment of blood cancers. Having an additional master’s degree in education and teaching has allowed me to become a better teacher and healthcare provider. With my additional training, I can help people to better understand their risk factors for breast cancer and provide them with the information they need.