Hologic’s women in breast surgery conference
Dr. Valerie Gorman, MD, FACS, a Waxahachie-based breast surgeon specializing in surgical oncology and surgical diseases of the breast, was selected for faculty at the prestigious Women in Breast Surgery conference. The Tampa, Florida-based conference was sponsored by Hologic, a groundbreaking enterprise designed to support women’s health by providing effective, state-of-the-art technology to healthcare professionals. Hologic constructed this two-day conference around the personal and professional development of women breast cancer surgeons.
Four renowned female surgeons, including Dr. Gorman, led the courses, merging the medical field and the business world through incorporating topics such as improving workflow efficiency, leadership and a seat at the table, getting the word out to build your brand, and offering a negotiation workshop. Dr. Gorman and her peers, who came from all over the United States, provided new breast surgeons and breast fellows (the medical community’s term for surgery residents and breast fellowships) with leadership and marketing tactics. “It was an honor to be a part of this,” said Dr. Gorman, “and to provide the tips and tricks I wish I had known when I was starting in the field rather than learning these strategies the hard way. This is really exciting work for the breast surgeon community.”
Educating the medical community on breast cancer surgery practices
Breast cancer technology
Gorman’s practice, Texas Breast Center, is considered a center of excellence for training among medical personnel. The conference’s sponsor, Hologic, sends its representatives and other physicians to be trained by Dr. Gorman and her team on the technology of the BioZorb, a marker device used for stereotactic body radiation targeted therapy, and the wireless technology she employs. Dr. Gorman is grateful for the opportunity to train other physicians and industry persons on breast cancer treatment and care advancements. “Bringing them into the process of these surgical techniques and utilization of the BioZorb to gain a first-person understanding of the tools they are selling or using is essential to promoting healing and recovery for patients; education is key,” emphasizes Dr. Gorman. Her desire to raise awareness and educate others in the field led her to present at the Women in Surgery conference.
Strategies for breast surgeons
Dr. Gorman emphasizes the importance of empowering women, physicians and patients alike, through education. Her presentations at this conference aimed to help women claim their spot at the table among the leading breast cancer surgeons by providing insight into the business side of surgery, an aspect that is often neglected within the medical field. Additionally, effective business tactics would lead to larger public exposure of surgeons and, thus, more conversations surrounding breast cancer and breast care in general. Through a nationwide increase of young women entering the field with successful business strategies and tailored care for patients enduring breast cancer surgery, Dr. Gorman hopes this will lead to greater self-awareness and detection of early-stage breast cancer among the public.
Why is breast cancer awareness critical?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers detected in females, ranking second only under skin cancer. This means that, statistically, most women will either be diagnosed or know someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Awareness helps us begin to topple this statistic. It leads to more women participating in self-checks, earlier detection, and an understanding of the risk factors that may indicate breast cancer. Opening the door for these actions to become regular practices starts with preparing and enabling newer breast cancer surgeons with the information surrounding strong business tactics and state-of-the-art care for patients and their communities. The Hologic Conference on Women in Breast Surgery sought to jumpstart these efforts, aligning with Dr. Gorman’s mission.
Dr. Gorman was also selected to present at the 20th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.