Your clinical practice will encompass the full spectrum of breast cancer care, from newly diagnosed patients navigating their initial treatment decisions to long-term survivors managing the complexities of metastatic disease. You'll work within a truly integrated multidisciplinary framework where medical oncology, surgical oncology, and radiation oncology collaborate seamlessly—not just in weekly tumor boards but in daily practice patterns that prioritize coordinated care. This collaborative environment means your treatment recommendations are implemented within a system that values both cutting-edge protocols and the human touch that distinguishes academic medicine from community practice.
The Wilmot Cancer Institute has experienced remarkable growth, with clinical volumes expanding significantly across the region. Your patient population will reflect the diverse communities of Western New York, from urban Rochester to the rural Finger Lakes region, bringing both the clinical challenges and rewards of serving patients across the socioeconomic spectrum. The breast program specifically has seen substantial surgical growth, creating increased demand for medical oncology services that drives the current expansion. You'll find that patients here often travel considerable distances for their care, demonstrating the trust the community places in Wilmot's expertise.
The breast oncology team includes experienced clinicians with strong patient care skills who are eager for renewed leadership and direction in clinical research. Your arrival will reinvigorate a group that has maintained excellent clinical standards while awaiting someone to champion their research aspirations. The recent retirement of a longtime team member has created both an opportunity for fresh perspective and a team ready to embrace new initiatives. You'll find colleagues who value work-life balance while maintaining high professional standards, creating an environment where excellence doesn't require exhaustion.
The broader oncology division, led by Dr. Aaron Hezel for the past decade, fosters a culture of mutual support where subspecialists collaborate rather than compete. The breast program works particularly closely with surgical oncologist Dr. Anna Weiss and radiation oncologist Dr. Kim Gergals, both of whom are committed partners in building comprehensive breast services. This established collaboration means you can focus on program development rather than relationship repair.
Your clinical work will be intellectually stimulating without being overwhelming—the institution understands that effective leaders need time for strategic thinking and relationship building beyond direct patient care. The emphasis on bringing novel therapies to patients through clinical trials ensures your practice remains at the forefront of breast oncology, offering treatment options unavailable in community settings while contributing to the advancement of the field.