How to choose a hospital - Lahey Clinic?

3peasinapod

Have any of you been treated at Lahey outside Boston? I was diagnosed at Lahey Clinic in Burlington MA and consulted with Dr. Stephen Karp. I got a second opinion at MGH with Dr. Michele Gadd. Lahey is more convenient to my home and work, and it is familiar to me. MGH seems like a hastle to go in and out of Boston and it feels so big. I really liked Dr Karp's personality and he made me feel confident and comfortable. Dr Gadd seems to be more famous and MGH is of course famous. She was nice and certainly an expert. Some of my relatives strongly want me to go to MGH - I know the decision is mine, but it is so important, I don't want to do what is easy - I am worth getting the very best treatment, I don't want to settle for anything less. The funny thing is I think I feel a little more comfortable at Lahey - I need some help deciding. I am scheduled for MRI in 2 days at Lahey. Please help.

(I had my biopsy 2 weeks ago - lumpectomy is recommended, <1cm IDC, her2-, hormone+, low grade)

Elizabeth27

I can't speak to Lahey, and your level of comfort is very important. I can say that I had surgery, twice actually with Dr. Gadd, and she is terrific! You won't have to go to MGH very often if all you are having is a lumpectomy. You could still get your radiation elsewhere.

Elizabeth27

I can't speak to Lahey, and your level of comfort is very important. I can say that I had surgery, twice actually with Dr. Gadd, and she is terrific! You won't have to go to MGH very often if all you are having is a lumpectomy. You could still get your radiation elsewhere.

Elizabeth27

I can't speak to Lahey, and your level of comfort is very important. I can say that I had surgery, twice actually with Dr. Gadd, and she is terrific! You won't have to go to MGH very often if all you are having is a lumpectomy. You could still get your radiation elsewhere.

mrsb45

I echo Elizabeth's opinion. I travelled from the South Shore to MGH and also had Dr.Gadd and loved her. Yes it was inconvenient and even did 16 chemo treatments but didn't want to 2nd guess that I didn't go to the best...I did get my radiation closer to home though,, Go with  your gut and what you feel most comfortable with.. Good luck!!!

Sue-61

http://www.docboard.org/docfinder.html

This is an interesting website, as you can look up the names of the docs by state, see their publications, see their board certification, etc. It looks like Dr Karp has quite impressive credentials and is board certified in surgery, not breast surgery per the site. 

I live near Umass Med Ctr and trekked down to Dana Farber and Brigham and Women's for my treatment. As a matter of fact, I was down there yesterday in the monsoon rains! I saw the head of the breast surgery dept for my surgery. IF I needed rads (I didn't) they were very willing to let me have that treatment right in Worcester.  I think I would lean more towards seeing a doctor who is a breast surgeon, but Lahey also does have a fabulous reputation. Keep in mind, I was no farther than 5 minutes away from UMASS but opted for treatment at Dana Farber. It's not that difficult to get there. MGH also is, of course, another top rated place.

Good luck in your decision making. Sue