We are thrilled to bring you another inspiring story as part of our “I Look Like A Surgeon” series. Today, meet Allison DiPasquale, an industry pro with a heart of gold.
Name: Allison DiPasquale
Profession: Breast Surgeon
Location: Dallas, TX
Where did you study?
Lahey Clinic (surgery residency), City of Hope (breast surgery fellowship)
What does a typical day look like for you?
Alternate between seeing new breast cancer patients in clinic and the operating room where we remove the cancer and reconstruct the breast.
What’s the most rewarding part of your day?
Seeing my patients post-operative and giving them the news that they are cancer free.
What is the hardest part of your day?
Seeing very young women with advanced stage breast cancer.
Can you tell us about a favorite career moment?
Treating a 30 year old women with advanced breast cancer who underwent chemotherapy and surgery who was told she most likely could not bear children. She had an excellent response to treatment and in her one year follow up not only was she cancer free but she was pregnant. It was such an honor to participate in her care and see her baby girl years later.
What does being a surgeon mean to you?
It means that not only do I have the ability to help cure patients of their breast cancer, but I have the ability to share their journey through the disease.
What advice would you give to an aspiring surgeon?
Work hard, study hard, but most importantly don’t forget to really listen to your patients. They come to you vulnerable and fearful and it is your job as a surgeon to calm their fears, and build a trusting relationship.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Please do not judge your surgeon on how young they may look. Please judge them on how they relate to you and your family, their knowledge of the disease, and their ability as a surgeon.
Looking for more inspiring interviews? Meet Nina and Debb.
Want to nominate a surgeon to be featured on the BoardVitals blog as part of I Look Like A Surgeon? Email us at [email protected].
