Fellows of Saint John’s Cancer Institute’s Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program and Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program Presented Innovative Research Alongside Their Mentors at the American Society for Breast Surgeons.
Breast Surgical Oncology fellow, Samantha Lloy, MD, and Complex General Surgical Oncology fellows, Sia Bolourani, MD, PhD, Brian E. Diskin, MD, and Katiuscha Merath, MD, presented their research and participated in educational programming at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons in Seattle, April 30th to May 3rd. An estimated 1,700 were in attendance at the convention.
The fellows presented multiple research projects focused on advancing breast cancer care and improving surgical outcomes.
Poster presentations included:
- Mastectomy Provides No Survival Advantage Over Partial Mastectomy for Invasive Lobular Carcinoma of the Breast: An NCDB Analysis (Sia Bolourani, MD, PhD; Brian E. Diskin, MD)
- Breast Conserving Therapy is Associated with Improved Survival Compared to Mastectomy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: An NCDB Analysis (Crystal Fancher, MD, FACS; Sia Bolourani, MD, PhD; Brian E. Diskin, MD; Katiuscha Merath, MD)
- Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery for a Second Primary Cancer in Patients With Prior Oncoplastic Breast Conservation (Samantha Lloy, MD)
The research focused on long-term outcomes associated with breast conserving therapy mastectomy, and oncoplastic surgical approaches using larger national cancer databases and complex clinical case analysis.
Several of the projects build upon ongoing institutional research efforts aimed at improving evidence-based surgical care and personalizing treatment recommendations for breast cancer patients.
Beyond academic presentations, the findings have meaningful implications for patients. The research helps surgeons better understand which patients may safely undergo breast conserving approaches, how survival outcomes are affected by survival factors, and how oncoplastic techniques may expand treatment options while maintaining quality of life and cosmetic outcomes.
These meetings provide an important opportunity to share research, collaborate with colleagues, and continue advancing the standard of care for breast cancer patients.
In addition to research presentations, fellows participated in educational panels and collaborative discussions with national leaders in breast surgery and oncology, highlighting the institute’s continued commitment to clinical research, surgical education, and patient-centered care.
Faculty members also participated, such as Janie Grumley, MD, Professor of Surgical Oncology and Director of the Comprehensive Breast Program, Margie Petersen Breast Center, alongside her counterpart, Crystal Fancher, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology.
Learn more about the fellowship programs at SJCI.
About
American Society of Breast Surgeons
American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) is the primary professional organization for surgeons dedicated to the practice of breast surgery. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, it focuses on advancing the standard of care through education, research, and advocacy Learn more at https://www.breastsurgeons.org
Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Providence Saint John’s Cancer Institute
The Breast Surgical Oncology experience at the Margie Petersen Breast Center within Saint John’s Cancer Institute centers on comprehensive, multidisciplinary breast cancer care that combines surgical excellence, oncoplastic techniques, clinical trials, imaging, pathology, survivorship, and personalized patient support. Under the leadership of breast surgical oncologists including Dr. Janie Grumley, fellows and trainees gain exposure to advanced breast conservation surgery, reconstructive collaboration, same-day diagnostics evaluation, and integrated treatment planning alongside medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, geneticists, and transitional scientists. The program’s close connection to the institute’s research infrastructure allows breast fellows to participate in outcomes-based and translation breast cancer research aimed at improving both survival and quality of life for patients. Learn more at https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/fellowship/breast-surgical-oncology-fellowship/
Donald L. Morton Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship at Saint John’s Cancer Institute
The Saint John’s Cancer Institute’s Donald L. Morton Complex Surgical Oncology Fellowship is a nationally recognized, ACGME-accredted two-year fellowship designed to train future leaders in surgical oncology through intensive multidisciplinary cancer care, advanced operative experience, and translational research. Based at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, the program exposes fellows to high-volume surgical oncology across breast, gastrointestinal, melanoma, endocrine, hepatopancreabbiliary, urologic, and minimally invasive cancer surgery, while also integrating rotations in pathology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, genetics, and biostatistics. The fellowship emphasized innovation, outcomes-based care, mentorship, and investor-driven research, with opportunities for an optional third year focused on laboratory science and translational discovery. Learn more at https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/fellowship/donald-l-morton-complex-general-surgical-oncology-fellowship/
Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center
The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center offers the most compassionate and innovative care in Southern California. We care for and treat the whole person: mind, body, and spirit, providing an array of services to support your emotional and physical wellbeing. Our unique partnership with the Saint John’s Cancer Institute offers an environment that combines clinical excellence with novel research, ensuring that the care you receive is outcomes-based and optimized specifically to you. Learn more at https://www.saintjohnscancer.org/breast/