Breast Oncology Fellowship at UMass Chan-Baystate
Become a leader in the breast surgical oncology field.
Breast Oncology Fellowship at UMass Chan-Baystate
Discover what it takes to be a leader in the field
The Society of Surgical Oncologists-accredited Breast Oncology Fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate offers a one-year multidisciplinary breast disease curriculum. We have a patient-centered approach to education—known for our emphasis on the patient experience and shared decision-making.
Our fellowship is centered at the Baystate Breast & Wellness Center—the largest dedicated breast surgery practice in western Massachusetts. That means we have the high volume, high complexity patient experience to offer training in all aspects of breast disease, as well as expertise in women’s health, survivorship, administration and leadership.
Enthusiastic faculty—breast surgery and collaborating specialties—create an enjoyable and rewarding training experience.
Program highlights
Leadership and Administration Curriculum
There are monthly sessions focused on the development of leadership skills. You will also learn practice management skills by attending the practice’s operations and staff meetings.
Outreach Experience
Outreach, rehabilitation and psycho-oncology experiences occur throughout the year, with a concentration of activity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Continuity of Care Patient Panel
You will select a panel of continuity of care patients, following them longitudinally throughout the year on their breast cancer experience—attending medical oncology/radiation oncology appointments, chemotherapy teaching, first chemo treatment, radiation planning, etc.
Fellow’s Clinic
Fellow's clinic is held one afternoon twice a month during which you will manage your own panel of patients under the supervision of one of the attending breast surgeons.
Enjoy four season living
The city of Springfield is located in the Pioneer Valley—a thriving area in western Massachusetts boasting a myriad of music, art, history, and outdoor recreation opportunities. A mere few miles from the Connecticut border, you will find urban, suburban and rural housing and amenities.
When you live and work here, you will enjoy picturesque four-season living, year-round social and cultural events, and excellent schools. In fact, Massachusetts was once again ranked #1 in education nationally by U.S. News and World Report.
Program-at-a-glance
The Society of Surgical Oncologists-accredited Breast Oncology fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate offers a one year multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to breast disease education. As the largest dedicated breast surgery practice in western Massachusetts, we have the high volume, high complexity patient experience to offer training in all aspects of breast disease as well as education in leadership and administration.
We accept one fellow per year. Candidates must have completed a residency in general surgery or OB/GYN and be Board Eligible or Board Certified.
Fellowship Director
Holly Mason MD, FACS email: holly.mason@baystatehealth.orgSection Chief for Breast Surgery
Program Coordinator
Olivia Cipriani email: olivia.cipriani@baystatehealth.org | phone: 413-794-2316Program metrics
- Length of program: 1 year
- Number of fellows/year: 1
Department metrics
Baystate breast specialists (2020)
- >760 new patients seen (all dx, surgeon numbers only)
- ~400 new breast cancer patients per year
- ~70 atypia patients requiring surgery
- ~70% breast conservation rate (direct to surgery)
- >50% of mastectomy patients undergo reconstruction (offered to all appropriate candidates)
- 17% referral for neoadjuvant therapy
- Radioactive seed localization program >2800 cases since 2010
Baystate breast surgery: FY 2020 volume
- Lumpectomy: 245
- Focus on Oncoplastics
- Oncoplastic reductions
- Localized advancement flaps—LICAP, TDAP, AICAP, Crescent
- Mastectomy: 80
- Nipple or skin sparing mastectomy
- Tissue expander/Implant based reconstruction
- DIEP flap reconstructions
- Axillary lymph node dissection: 31
- Reverse lymphatic mapping
Baystate medical center metrics
- Baystate Medical Center is the major teaching hospital for UMass Chan-Baystate
- Number of hospital beds: 716
- Number of residency programs: 10
- Number of fellowship programs: 26
- We have attempted to maintain salaries in the 75th percentile nationally, and here in western Massachusetts, we enjoy a lower cost of living than in major urban areas.
- View our complete list of salaries and benefits.
- 4 weeks vacation/year, free parking
- Disability/Malpractice/Health/Life Insurance
- Our fellow has office space with a dedicated desk and computer at the breast center, as well as access to the office at the hospital that the breast surgeons use.
- Baystate Health Sciences Library & Information Services and UMass Chan Medical School Libraries with access to online journals, books and other teaching resources
Breast surgery rotations: 32 weeks per year
Multidisciplinary experience (12 weeks per year, 3 days per week)—Rotations (4 weeks each): Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Oncology & Genetics, Radiation Oncology, Radiology and Pathology, Psycho-oncology/Outreach/Social work/Rehabilitation
Additional curriculum: Leadership and Administration, Research with dedicated research time
A Wonderful Place To Be
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