Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology
Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy and robotic surgery); endometrial cancer and hyperplasia; cervical cancer and dysplasia; vulvar cancer and dysplasia; vaginal cancer and dysplasia; gestational trophoblastic disease; surgical management of pelvic masses
| Gynecologic Oncology |
I am excited to be a part of the gynecologic cancer patient care team at Fox Chase Cancer Center. I chose to work at Fox Chase to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge oncologic care by translating advances in research directly into my clinical practice.
As a gynecologic oncologist, I specialize in the surgical and medical management of tumors of the uterus, cervix, ovary, fallopian tube, vulva and vagina. I have extensive experience with complex open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, which allows me to tailor a surgical plan based upon a patient’s needs and preferences. I also have expertise in administering intravenous and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies. As a member of the multidisciplinary gynecologic cancer patient care team, I work closely with my colleagues in medical and radiation oncology to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that offers the best chance of cure for each patient.
I appreciate the challenges and commitment necessary to care for cancer patients. I understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming for patients and their families, and I always treat patients how I would want my family members to be treated: with honesty and compassion. I devote the time necessary to educate my patients on their options so they are best able to make an informed decision about their treatment.
Professionally, my research interests focus on endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer and hereditary ovarian cancer, including those resulting from BRCA1 or 2 mutations. The abundant resources available at Fox Chase, as well as my research experiences during my postdoctoral fellowship at the Magee-Womens Research Institute and as a clinical fellow at the University of Pennsylvania allow for me to participate in translational research and investigate innovative therapies to improve the quality of life for women with gynecologic malignancies.
As a single mom, I raised my son and daughter on my own. While they were growing up, I worked in a high-stress position in advertising sales, but I decided to switch careers and start nannying once I became an empty nester.
I was a first grade teacher for six years before becoming a reading specialist for kids with learning disabilities. After having four children of my own, I decided to be a stay-at-home mom and teach my children, along with my nieces and nephews.
Diane Smith was 55 years old when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. After a local gastroenterologist initially diagnosed her with hemorrhoids, she sought a second opinion from a specialist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Diane underwent a laparoscopic procedure that resulted in no scarring and allowed her to heal faster. After a week in the hospital, she returned home to finish her recovery. "I am now enjoying my time with friends, reading, walking in Pennypack Park, living a healthy lifestyle, and attending church regularly," she said. "I came back from cancer, and I thank God every day for directing me to Fox Chase."
At 36, Patti Rose, a wife and mother to seven children, was shocked to learn she had a rare form of breast cancer. Because her husband works in construction and had done several projects for Fox Chase Cancer Center, they knew right away Fox Chase was the right place for Patti's treatment. At Fox Chase, Patti underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, followed by a lumpectomy and additional surgery. The experience was extremely difficult, but Patti credits the staff at Fox Chase for giving her a positive outlook and helping her get through it. Today, she is cancer free and could not be more pleased with the treatment she received. "Fox Chase helped me to be positive. If I didn’t have that connection with doctors and nurses and even the security guard that I would talk to every time I was there, I think I would have felt more afraid," she said. "Knowing all those people were praying for me, thinking of me, and trying to get me through it made me feel like I could overcome it."
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