Art, Science, Surgical Excellence
Dr. Nicketti Handy is a Providence breast surgeon who merges medical expertise with artistic sensibility to provide holistic, personalized care for patients with breast concerns. Her career is rooted in a lifelong fascination with both science and art, and she has transformed that passion into a surgical practice that values precision, education, and emotional wellness.
Dr. Handy earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Brain & Cognitive Science and Health & Society from the University of Rochester. She continued on to Tufts University School of Medicine and completed a six-year general surgery residency at Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle. It was during this rigorous training that she discovered her calling in breast surgery, drawn to its complexity and collaborative nature.
“It really was this opportunity to see how creative and artistic breast cancer surgery can be, which for me felt like the ultimate way of bringing back my interest of art, science, and healthcare.”
– Nicketti Handy, MD
Her interest deepened with her exposure to oncoplastic breast surgery—an approach that combines tumor removal with reconstructive techniques. It allowed her to honor the aesthetics of the body while delivering effective cancer care, and felt like a natural convergence of her personal and professional values. She pursued a Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship at the St. John’s Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, where she trained with experts in advanced techniques that minimize the physical and emotional impact of breast cancer surgery.
Listen to Dr. Nicketti Handy discuss her clinic in Burbank, California
Dr. Handy shares how she arrived at her breast specialty with Saint John’s Cancer Institute.
Leading the Breast Cancer Program at the Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center
After completing her fellowship, Dr. Handy joined the faculty at St. John’s Cancer Institute and became the founding full-time breast surgeon at the Disney Family Cancer Center in Burbank. She leads a comprehensive breast care program designed to streamline diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for patients at every stage. The center offers walk-in services for concerns like breast pain, abnormal imaging, or lumps, and coordinates follow-up testing and consultations with radiology, oncology, genetics, and plastic surgery.
Empowerment Through Education and Evidence-Based Care
At the heart of Dr. Handy’s approach is patient empowerment. She dedicates time during consultations to explain the imaging and pathology behind a diagnosis, helping individuals understand the “what” before exploring the “how.” This clarity enables patients to make confident choices about their care and feel more connected to their recovery.
Her role, as she sees it, is to present a range of safe, effective options and guide patients through the decision-making process. The ultimate choice lies with the patient, who weighs the benefits, risks, and personal implications to choose the path that suits their life and goals.
Advancing Cancer Care Through Research and Collaboration
Dr. Handy continues to stay at the forefront of breast surgery innovation. She participates in clinical trials and aims to expand access to cutting-edge therapies by bridging resources between Providence cancer centers. Her vision includes bringing research opportunities typically centered in Santa Monica to patients in Burbank, thereby fostering equity in cancer care.
“…Being based in Burbank at the Disney Family Cancer Center is we’re hoping to bridge some of the resources at both of the cancer centers for more collaboration with research efforts, including clinical trials that might now only be available for Santa Monica patients.”
– Nicketti Handy, MD
A Long-Term Partner in Healing
Dr. Handy understands that cancer care doesn’t end with surgery. Her relationship with patients often spans years, as she remains involved in long-term follow-up and survivorship. She encourages second and third opinions, knowing how important it is for patients to feel secure with their care team. For her, it’s about finding the right fit—someone who listens, teaches, advocates, and supports patients throughout their healing journey and beyond.
Contact Dr. Nicketti Handy
Patients can be seen at either location–Santa Monica or Burbank–based on what’s most convenient and comfortable. Second opinions are always welcome.
- Call 818-847-3781
- 181 S. Buena Vista St. 3rd Floor, Burbank, Ca 91505
- Dr. Nicketti Handy’s Bio