COMFORT, CONVENIENCE
ARE HALLMARKS OF
NEW COMPREHENSIVE BREAST CARE CENTER

GBMC's Comprehensive Breast Care Center (CBCC) began with a vision and is now reality. When breast surgeon Lauren Schnaper, MD, came to GBMC five-and-a-half years ago, her goal was to establish a multidisciplinary group of physicians and other caregivers to diagnose and treat breast disease. Thanks to the hard work of many, the Comprehensive Breast Care Center opened in its new, permanent space in December.

The Comprehensive Breast Care Center consolidates the talents of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, oncology nurses, genetic counselors, a psychologist and radiologists in a continuum of top-quality care that rivals the best breast services for women in the Baltimore area. "It's for the convenience of our patients," says Dr. Schnaper. "The idea itself was actually straightforward. We wanted to bring the physicians to the patients, instead of having the patients seek services in multiple places."

Located in the hospital link between Physicians Pavilions East and West, the CBCC adjoins Advanced Radiology's Pavilion Imaging. Patients and their families enter the comfortable, private area through frosted, wave-patterned glass doors. The elegant space is appointed in neutral colors mixed with soft blues and greens and cherry wood furniture. Although the CBCC and Pavilion Imaging have separate entrances and function as distinct entities, they are connected inside for ease of patient use for mammography, ultrasound and biopsy services. "Women in their gowns can go right down the hall to get their biopsies," says Dr. Schnaper. "If there is a problem with their imaging, we can get immediate resolution." Mammography patients use the CBCC's entrance and have their own waiting area.

The soothing design of the CBCC is one way to help our patients feel both normal and special, explains Barbara Raksin, RN, who is often referred to by her peers as 'the glue that holds the CBCC together.' "Our goal is to make the women who come here as comfortable as possible with their diagnosis and treatment. Everything we do is geared toward making them feel normal and helping them minimize the disruption in their lives."

Numbers alone reflect the success of the CBCC . In the year 2000, physicians treated more than 500 new breast cancer patients at GBMC, making it one of the busiest centers in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

The CBCC has found a special place to display its new Chair of Hope, recently donated by Ethan Allen Galleries. The cream-colored easy chair was one of two signed by cancer survivors who participated in Baltimore's October Race for the Cure. "We are very honored that the Susan G. Komen Foundation chose us to have a chair," says Ms. Raksin. "I think it's the most gorgeous thing we have."

"Everything we need for our patients can be done or arranged for at the CBCC ," says Dr. Schnaper. Medical and surgical oncologists, as well as plastic surgeons, meet patients at the CBCC for consultations. Other services include genetic and psychological counseling, mammography, ultrasonography and biopsies.

In addition, the CBCC works closely with GBMC's Pathology Department which has made it a priority to provide complete lab results, including not only a diagnosis but also tumor characteristics, within 48 hours. "Most other labs have a two-week turnaround for comprehensive results, which is a source of tremendous anxiety for patients," says Dr. Schnaper. "We are very grateful to have such an excellent service."

In the spring, GBMC's Boutique will move next to Pavilion Imaging to occupy the final space in the hall. This successful, full-service enterprise offers a selection of both everyday cosmetics and specially-designed cosmetics for patients receiving medical treatments, as well as wigs and hair care products, aromatherapy items and clothing. The expert advice offered by image consultants and a certified prosthetic fitter, along with all of the available high-quality specialty products, boost patient confidence.

 "Having all of us together in one place now helps women feel like the care they're getting is a team effort," says Ms. Raksin. "Patients can go anywhere for their treatment, and they choose to come here."

To contact the Comprehensive Breast Care Center, call 443-849-2600.

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