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"Each week we participate in a multi- disciplinary clinic where patients are seen by a medical oncologist, radiation oncolo- gist and surgeon," Dr. Greco says. "Their cases are presented at a multidisciplinary conference at the end of the clinic day, and treatment options are discussed." In this setting, patients have access to the best opinion on managing their dis- ease from a team of experts who consult together to customize treatment based on the patient's needs. Drs. Greco and Keeney a lso hold a monthly multidisciplinary conference at the Community Campus that includes pathologists, radiologists, medical and radi- ation oncologists, and referring physicians. "This conference is open to all physicians in the community," Dr. Keeney notes. "To enhance our relationship with our partners locally, we notify providers when their patients are being presented and invite them specifically so they can continue to play a key role in their patients' course of treatment." The Upstate Breast Ca re Center's comprehensive approach of providing all aspects of breast care means that each patient is assured of seamless commu- nication among all caregivers, resulting in a more e•cient, eective and tailored approach to meeting each patient's indi- vidual needs. CONVENIENT AND COMPREHENSIVE CARE With the majority of its services located under one roof, the Upstate Breast Care Center oers comprehensive support and care for patients with breast disease. The o•ce and a•liated hospital oer the lat- est in technology and combine that with exceptional customer service. The goal of the o•ce is to provide access to medical care in a timely fashion. Patients with an urgent need are typically seen within 48 hours. The time delay from finding to appointment is reduced to a matter of days, which improves e•ciency and accessibility for patients. Whenever possible, care is coordinated so that all of the required testing and consultations are completed during a single visit. This is particularly convenient for patients who live outside the Syracuse area. Upstate Breast Care Center employs a certified breast health nurse navigator, Mary Butler, RN, who provides individual- ized coordination of care by serving as a consultant, educator, practitioner and researcher for each Upstate Breast Care Center patient and her family. Butler plays an integral role, ensuring that patients get timely access to breast care services and information. "Mary Butler is a breast imaging nurse who is familiar with the biopsy process," Dr. Keeney says. "She schedules biopsies and follow-up appointments. After surgery she continues to guide patients through their oncology treatment, if necessary, getting them from point A to point B." Upstate Community Medical also pro- vides genetic testing for patients. "We focus on BRCA genes that are most commonly associated with increased breast cancer risk," Dr. Greco says. "We offer patients who qualify for genetic testing this option to determine if they carry these genes. Screenings are adjusted according to their risk." If increased risk for breast cancer is discovered, more aggressive screening is recommended. Upstate Breast Care Center is conve- niently located directly across the hall from the Wellspring Breast Care Center, which is accredited by the American College of Radiology. Wellspring's radiologists and sta are specially trained in breast imaging and perform routine screening and diagnostic mammograms, diagnostic breast ultrasound, and stereotactic and ultrasound guided biopsies. "They are right across the hall from us, which provides convenient access for our patients," Dr. Greco says. "We routinely consult with Wellspring's radiologists and coordinate care plans with them." Breast surgeries are typica lly per- formed at the Upstate University Hospital Community Campus. Drs. Greco and Keeney have forged strong relationships with local plastic surgeons and are able to work with patients so they can choose the type of reconstruction that works for them. Patients requiring mastectomy have the benefit of a one-step surgical procedure in which both the mastectomy and recon- struction are performed. At the Upstate Breast Care Center, specialists work together to understand patients' individual needs so a treatment strategy can be developed specifically for them. Drs. Greco and Keeney encourage community physicians to reach out with any questions they may have. The Upstate Breast Care Center oers a full ra nge of breast hea lth ser vices and strives to provide the best care to patients, whether their needs are preven- tive, routine, chronic or unexpected. A•liation with Upstate Cancer Center provides access to state-of-the-art treat- ment options and technolog y. T o l e a r n m o r e , v i s i t u p s t a t e . e d u /c o m m u n i t y /s e r v i c e s / breast_center or call 315-492-5660. ■ Mary Ellen Greco, MD Kristine M. Keeney, MD M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S C EN T R A L N E W YO R K ■ 2 016 1 5