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The very latest in breast health care has become easier for patients to access in Southeastern Massachusetts thanks to the opening of the South Shore Hospital Breast Care Center in collaboration with Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center. Led by Medical Director Beth-Ann Lesnikoski, MD, the Center marks the first shared service between South Shore and BWH, effectively meeting the needs of patients and both institutions.
Unfortunately, as the Baby Boomer generation ages and more women are in the at-risk age category, the number of breast cancer patients is expected to double by 2010, according to Lesnikoski. As expected by BWH and South Shore Hospital, the expansion of comprehensive breast health services and expertise beyond Boston’s borders has already been met with a high demand. “The Breast Care Center provides us with more options to expedite patients’ care and spares patients the hassles associated with city traffic and parking,” said Lesnikoski, a resident of Boston’s south shore herself.
Lesnikoski is able to apply her clinical, administrative and leadership experience to her new directorship role. “I enjoy my position at South Shore Hospital as it provides me an opportunity to bridge various institutions’ strengths through this collaborative center, which is proving to effectively meet the needs of patients in its surrounding area,” said Lesnikoski, who joined the staff at BWH and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in 2001.
Lesnikoski began her role as medical director of the Center last October, as she prepared for the Center's opening three months later. A fellowship-trained breast surgeon at Faulkner Hospital and former chief resident at Deaconess Hospital, Lesnikoski complements South Shore’s skilled general surgeons who also perform breast procedures. Lesnikoski conducts approximately 20 breast surgeries a month and sees nearly 80 patients in the Breast Care Center’s outpatient clinic.