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Learn how our breast cancer nurse navigators help support our patients.
Our goal is to ensure that patients receive the best treatment for their specific needs. The biggest difference our cancer program provides to patients is our highly collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach to care. The benefit of multi-disciplinary care is that patients receive multiple medical opinions from a group of specialists, helping them feel confident all options have been explored. Also important is that our program offers the most advanced therapies and latest technologies available to diagnose and treat breast cancer.
Information & Appointments
Phone: (925) 215-1149
Fax: (925) 677-5044
Locations
UCSF-John Muir Health
Jean and Ken Hofman Cancer Center
Behring Pavilion
177 La Casa Via
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
San Ramon
5201 Norris Canyon Rd, #140
Research shows that a multi-disciplinary approach leads to better outcomes with improved quality of life and improved survival rates for women and men with breast cancer. The ongoing collaboration and communication between members of the cancer care team make it possible for treatment to be coordinated, timely and effective.
Medical Oncology
Tiffany Svahn, MD
Medical Oncologist
Aditi Choudhry, MD
Medical Oncologist
Radiation Oncology
Christine Chung, MD
Radiation Oncologist
Sophia Rahman, MD
Radiation Oncologist
Surgeons
Advanced Practice Providers
Sarah Buenviaje, ONP
Nurse Practitioner
Shannon Chadekis, NP
Nurse Practitioner
Erin Esaki, PA
Physician Assistant
Michelle Frankland, NP
Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Navigator
We bring a whole team of cancer specialists together in one place for one appointment with our patients and family members. Similar to breast cancer clinics at academic centers, our board certified, multi-disciplinary group of physicians work together to develop a customized treatment plan that will lead to the best possible outcome.
Our multi-disciplinary cancer clinic is designed to evaluate patients with diagnosed breast cancer in a comprehensive, single-day setting to minimize the time between diagnosis and treatment. On the day of the appointment, patients will meet with a breast surgeon, medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist. Each physician will discuss the most appropriate course of treatment for patients based on the consensus opinions of the group and answer all questions regarding their cancer.
The team approach saves patients and their family the anxiety and uncertainty of waiting days and weeks between individual appointments. This single-day setting minimizes the time between diagnosis and treatment. It allows patients to focus their energy on what’s most important: getting well.
Referring physicians are invited to attend the meeting with the multi-disciplinary team. Otherwise, we will send our recommended treatment plan to the referring or primary care physician.
Our nurse navigators and patient care coordinators provide streamlined, continuity of care as patients move between appointments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. As part of the cancer treatment team at John Muir Health, patients have the full support of our experienced oncology nurse practitioners and physician assistants. They answer questions and provide information on supportive services, as well as offer guidance in all aspects of cancer treatment.
Our physicians offer educational talks in the community to keep patients and caregivers up-to-date on the most current treatment modalities and latest research breakthroughs.
As a Commission on Cancer (CoC) and National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) accredited cancer program, we deliver the highest level of patient care and quality assurance practices to maintain national accreditation as a center of excellence. Our radiation department is nationally accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and we stay current with best practices and rapidly advancing treatment guidelines. Our patients are offered an array of nationally established treatment protocols for breast cancer.
Our team of breast cancer physicians provide a multi-disciplinary approach to breast cancer care. In a single visit, patients meet with a breast surgeon, medical oncologist and a radiation oncologist who develop an individualized treatment recommendation for each patient. After the visit, patients work with our patient care coordinators and navigators, and leave with a clear plan as well as next steps for treatment. Our program was developed by passionate and experienced breast cancer specialists.