The Baptist Breast Center is now open!! It is located on the 4th floor of the Atrium building at the North Central Baptist Hospital. They will be having an open house October 20, 2011 and I will be creating a seperate blog as the date gets closer. 

Having this breast center above our North Central Clinic will be advantageous to our patients for many reasons, but I wanted to talk about two in particular:  genetic counseling and navigation services.

Ms. Kali Chatham, MS
Genetic Counselor

Our patients will have access to Ms. Chatham, who is the new genetic counselor in the breast center. Although her office is in the breast center, she is able to counsel patients and their families regarding a variety of cancers and familial syndromes.

Ms. Chatham will educate and answer any questions and or concerns regarding genetic testing. After educating about the test she will perform the test, and in conjunction with our physicians the test results will be reviewed in detail and a plan of care will be created.  

We are very excited to have this added level of care available for our patients. Having the a genetic counselor completes the continuum of multidisciplinary care we offer our patients at SOA (Surgical Oncology Associates).

Ms. Andrea Kassem RN, OCN
Oncology Nurse Navigator

Having access to your own breast cancer navigator creates a conseriege type delivery of health care services for the patients who come through the Baptist Breast Center. Andrea will be introduced to those patients who have a postive / concerning breast biopsy. Andrea will put you in the center of your care through education and communication. She will communicate with you and your health care providers regarding your new diagnosis in order to provide high quality expediant cancer care.  

Through explanations, educational resources, and assistance with scheduling Andrea will make the process from diagnosis to treatment as seamless as possible. Having the ability to contact one person who is knowledgable about your individual case will assist to alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding a new diagnosis of breast cancer. We are very excited to have Andrea and her navigation services available for all of our patients who have come through the Baptist Breast Cancer Center.