Combining expert opinions on the WSH Tumor Board

A breast cancer patient will see many different types of physicians over the course of treatment as they move from surgery to radiology, chemotherapy and often plastic surgery. When their case is particularly complex, having all of these specialists come together can be a huge benefit in creating a comprehensive treatment plan. That’s what happens each month when the Westside Surgical Hospital Tumor Board meets.

“All of the different specialties necessary for breast cancer care are in the same room and, in an open and frank fashion, can discuss a case with the goal of getting our patients the best care,” says Dr. Sean Boutros, a plastic surgeon on the board. “Every decision made has been thoughtfully considered by the specialists who attend, both independently and collectively.”

The physicians discuss every aspect of treatment in full context and come up with options together. That helps to ensure that each step of treatment is integrated, with every physician knowing what the patient has already experienced and what they will be facing in the next phase of treatment.

That approach also helps the patient better understand their full course of treatment. Normally, each phase of care handled by a specialist would require the patient to visit each doctor individually. “The board makes it easier for the patient to have a concise treatment plan,” says surgeon Dr. Arlene Ricardo, a member of the Tumor Board. “We do the leg work to get opinions from a surgeon, radiologist, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, pathologist and plastic surgeon.”

WSH has established itself as a facility specializing in breast health, and the Tumor Board adds to the high level of patient care.

“Our clinicians are all very experienced in the care of breast cancer patients,” says Jim Witt, chief administrative officer. “There’s a continuum of care here that is not common in small specialty hospitals. Our physicians rely on the expertise of medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to provide a complete picture for the patient’s treatment planning. The Tumor Board aligns with Westside’s approach to patient care.”