While plastic surgery is an all- encompassing field, Sabrina felt a strong pull toward treating breast cancer patients when she completed her residency training, and she has remained there ever since. Sabrina works in a large healthcare system based in Orlando, Florida, with a multidisciplinary breast cancer team that includes breast surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists. She typically meets patients when they’re first diagnosed and remains a member of their medical team throughout their breast cancer journey. We asked Sabrina for insight into her role as a plastic surgeon and microsurgeon who treats breast cancer patients and stands by their side throughout their treatment and remission. Here’s what she had to say. What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health? Dr. Sabrina Pavri: One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and I think it’s really underestimated how many
role in helping these patients feel normal again, which is the part that I feel is very rewarding. At what point do you meet with patients who have overcome breast cancer and are interested in reconstructive surgery? SP: I typically meet patients when they’re first diagnosed,
Dr. Sabrina Pavri (Zeta Omicron- Johns Hopkins), MD MBA FACS , is a board-certified plastic surgeon & reconstructive
and the large majority of patients are eligible for immediate breast
reconstruction (at the same time as their cancer surgery). The decision of what type of surgery is best for a particular patient is very much a team effort, requiring close collaboration between me and my breast surgeon so we can be oncologically safe and optimize the aesthetic result at the same time, while meeting that patient’s overall goals. Unfortunately, not all patients have access to a plastic surgeon who does breast reconstruction, especially in more rural or underserved areas, so I do see some patients who have finished their cancer treatment and come to discuss reconstruction in a delayed fashion. I wish all breast cancer patients had the opportunity to consult with a plastic surgeon (and were aware of all of their options) before undergoing treatment. There are multiple ways to treat the same patient, and depending on the bias of the breast surgeon they see, sometimes they won’t be told about all their surgical options.
microsurgeon, a fellow of the
American College of Surgeons and a diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. She is also a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and a member of Alpha Phi’s Zeta Omicron Chapter.
people it affects because patients often keep their
diagnosis private. But these are your sisters, mothers, co-workers; women who are often balancing working full time with caring for young families or aging parents, and they’re faced with a completely life-altering diagnosis. While the primary focus is obviously curing the cancer, breast reconstruction plays a huge
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