Hoag Breast Care Center

Expert Medical Staff

Hoag Breast Care Center Surgeons

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Hoag Breast Care Center Radiologists

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Medical Oncologists

Medical oncology is an important component of care for the vast majority of breast cancer patients. Hoag’s medical staff includes 30 board certified medical oncologists, each of whom is committed to providing the latest in innovative breast cancer treatment.

Five Hoag-affiliated medical oncologists in good standing with Hoag Cancer Center managed the majority of breast cancer patients treated at Hoag during 2005-2006 (Drs. Vandermolen, Barth, Mahdavi, Nanci, Carroll and Semeniuk). Each of these physicians managed at least 30 patients with breast cancer during that year.

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Radiation Oncologists

The radiation oncologist is a physician with specific training in radiation oncology. At Hoag, all of our radiation oncologists are board certified by the American Board of Radiology. They meet with patients in consultation to discuss the role of radiation therapy as part of a patient’s treatment plan.

Hoag’s radiation oncologists direct each patient’s radiation course, and work closely with a patient’s medical oncologist, surgical oncologist and other physicians to ensure the best possible outcome.

Although many individuals are involved in the delivery of a patient’s radiation treatment, the radiation oncologist is the “leader” directing each patient’s care. Hoag’s radiation oncologists meet frequently with patients during the course of their treatment to answer questions and meet any needs as they arise.

• Russell L Hafer, Jr., M.D., D.A.B.R.
• Craig A Cox, M.D., D.A.B.R.
• Peter Chen, M.D., D.A.B.R.
• Brian Kim, M.D., D.A.B.R.

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Patient Support Staff

Hoag offers a full spectrum of breast care support services, including one-on-one consultation and educational support through Hoag’s breast care coordinators. The coordinators provide a wealth of information and resources for women. This type of personalized support is a unique facet available at few medical centers, but one that brings knowledge and comfort to Hoag patients.

Josephine Urbina, R.N., B.S.N., Breast Care Center Nurse Navigator

The Breast Care Center Nurse Navigator provides follow-up for patients after a breast biopsy. The nurse meets with patients 48 hours after the procedure to assess their biopsy site and provide them with pathology results. The Nurse Navigator provides one-on-one support for patients diagnosed with breast cancer by helping them to obtain referrals to the breast surgeons, oncologists and support services available through Hoag Cancer Center.

To speak with Josephine Urbina, R.N., B.S.N., please call 949/764-8179.

Deborah Buntin, R.N., M.P.H, Hoag Breast Care Center Manager

To speak with Hoag Breast Care Center Manager Deborah Buntin, R.N., M.P.H., please call 949/764-5454.

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Hereditary Cancer Program

Hoag’s Hereditary Cancer Program provides risk assessment counseling and genetic testing to individuals with a family history. Once a comprehensive family assessment has been completed, a personalized plan of care can be formulated which may include genetic testing, risk-reducing interventions and follow-up surveillance tailored to an individual’s needs.

For details about Hoag’s Hereditary Cancer Program, including a list of frequently asked questions, please click here or call 949/764-5764.

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Sexual Health & Survivorship Medicine

Hoag Hospital’s Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine Program incorporates two, highly specialized areas of focus for women of all ages and sexual orientation. These include:

• Sexual Health – focuses on enhancing sexual health and intimacy for women with disorders of sexual function as a result of pain, illness, hormonal changes, medications, stress, and cancer and its treatments.
• Survivorship Medicine – focuses on long-term, quality-of-life concerns and sexual health issues for women living with a chronic medical illness, a history of cancer, or those who are at risk for developing cancer.

For details about Hoag’s Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine Program, please click here or call 949/764-9300.

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