Springfield, Massachusetts
Fellowship Program Director: Holly Mason, MD, FACS
Assistant Program Director: Jesse Casaubon, DO, FACS
The UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate Breast Oncology Fellowship offers a one-year multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to breast disease education. Located in the Pioneer Valley, we are the largest dedicated breast surgery practice in Western Massachusetts. We offer training in all aspects of breast disease with an additional focus on developing the skills to become a leader in the field.
The core faculty includes four breast surgical specialists. In addition to our focus on breast disease, we have expertise in women’s health, survivorship, administration, and leadership which will be shared with the Fellow throughout the year. We have a strong clinical focus in the oncoplastic approach to breast surgery and a close collaboration with Plastic Surgery.
Facilities
The Fellowship is centered at the Baystate Breast & Wellness Center which is the home base for both the Baystate Breast Specialists’ breast surgery, high risk and survivorship clinical practice and serves as the site for dedicated breast imaging for Baystate Health. We are known for our emphasis on the patient experience and shared decision making. Both inpatient and outpatient surgery is performed at Baystate Medical Center, a 716-bed tertiary medical center 1 mile away. We also perform outpatient surgery at two regional hospitals: Baystate Noble Hospital and Baystate Franklin Hospital. Medical oncology and radiation oncology rotations occur at the D’Amour Center for Cancer Care, which is walking distance from the Breast Center. Our patients have access to the latest technology including radioactive seed localization surgery and a 3D specimen radiography unit in the OR.
Clinical Rotations
This program supports a balanced exposure to all aspects of breast care. In addition to the breast surgery rotations, there are rotations in medical oncology and genetics, radiation oncology, plastic/reconstructive surgery, radiology and pathology. The outreach, rehabilitation and psycho-oncology experiences will occur throughout the year with a concentration of activity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The fellow will develop a continuity of care panel of patients, following them longitudinally throughout the year. The Fellow will also host their own “Fellow’s Clinic” twice a month.
The Fellow will prepare and present at the weekly breast tumor board as well as twice monthly surgical planning conferences. The weekly didactic curriculum includes case Q&A and journal article reviews.
There will be monthly sessions focused on the development of leadership skills. The Fellow will also learn practice management skills by attending the practice’s operations and staff meetings. There is protected time to focus on research activities.
Research
It is the program’s expectation that the Fellow will undertake and submit clinical research that is suitable for presentation and publication. Resources include access to our department biostatistician, IRB support and patient database. Guidance will be provided by the breast surgery team as well as the Office of Research. There is exposure to clinical trials with the help of the clinical trials office at the Cancer Center.
Location
The Pioneer Valley is a thriving area located in western Massachusetts and close to the Connecticut border that provides extensive access to urban, suburban and rural amenities. Anchored by the city of Springfield, our region boasts a myriad of opportunities for recreation, music, education and art enthusiasts. When you live and work in the Pioneer Valley, you will enjoy picturesque four-season living, excellent schools, and year-round social and cultural events. In fact, Massachusetts was once again ranked #1 in Education nationally by U.S. News and World Report.
Eligibility
This Fellowship is available to candidates who have completed a residency in general surgery or OB/GYN and are Board Eligible or Board Certified. Applicants must obtain a valid medical license in the State of Massachusetts prior to starting the program.
Interviews
Because of our belief in equality and access, we will continue to offer fellowship interviews using a virtual platform for our fellowship interview process.
Contact Information
Fellowship Program Director:
Holly Mason MD, FACS
Associate Professor, Department of Surgery
Program Website: Breast Oncology Fellowship, UMass Chan – Baystate | Baystate Health
Address:
759 Chestnut St
Springfield, MA 01199
Phone: (413) 794-2316
Email:
Fellowship Coordinator:
Primary:
Olivia Cipriani
Phone: (413) 794-2316
Fax: (413-794-4082
Email: Olivia.cipriani@baystatehealth.org
Secondary:
Jennifer Moccio
Phone: (413) 794-2945
Fax: (413) 794-4082
Email: Jennifer.moccio@baystatehealth.org