Choosing a surgeon

XYZ1867

I'd like to hear your recommendations as I try to decide between two surgeons for a lumpectomy.

Surgeon A: 23 years experience as a general surgeon (FACS), with the last 5 years doing breast surgery exclusively. Female 50 - 60 years (my guess)

Surgeon B: About 8 years experience total (FACS), Member of SSO (society of surgical oncologists). Does breast surgery exclusively. Female 30- 40 years (my guess)

anotherNYCGirl

Both sound very qualified, - pick the one that you are comfortable speaking with, asking questions, etc, and doesnt seem rushed or impatient.

Good luck!

ChiSandy

Both sound qualified, but perhaps B is more current on the state-of-the-art. Find out how many breast surgeries each does per year, and what kind. Audition them, so to speak--what are their preferences? Sometimes older general surgeons are quite set in their ways and may either not be well-versed in more contemporary techniques or don’t want to leave their comfort zone.

ksusan

I agree, and ask your PCP and gynecologisT if they prefer working with one over the other (if they're local).