Breast Oncology Fellowship at UMass Chan-Baystate

Become a leader in the breast surgical oncology field.

Breast Oncology Fellowship at UMass Chan-Baystate

Discover what it takes to be a leader in the field

The Society of Surgical Oncologists-accredited Breast Oncology Fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate offers a one-year multidisciplinary breast disease curriculum. We have a patient-centered approach to education—known for our emphasis on the patient experience and shared decision-making.

Our fellowship is centered at the Baystate Breast & Wellness Center—the largest dedicated breast surgery practice in western Massachusetts. That means we have the high volume, high complexity patient experience to offer training in all aspects of breast disease, as well as expertise in women’s health, survivorship, administration and leadership.

Enthusiastic faculty—breast surgery and collaborating specialties—create an enjoyable and rewarding training experience.

Program highlights

Leadership and Administration Curriculum

There are monthly sessions focused on the development of leadership skills. You will also learn practice management skills by attending the practice’s operations and staff meetings.

Outreach Experience

Outreach, rehabilitation and psycho-oncology experiences occur throughout the year, with a concentration of activity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

Continuity of Care Patient Panel

You will select a panel of continuity of care patients, following them longitudinally throughout the year on their breast cancer experience—attending medical oncology/radiation oncology appointments, chemotherapy teaching, first chemo treatment, radiation planning, etc.

Fellow’s Clinic

Fellow's clinic is held one afternoon twice a month during which you will manage your own panel of patients under the supervision of one of the attending breast surgeons.

Enjoy four season living

The city of Springfield is located in the Pioneer Valley—a thriving area in western Massachusetts boasting a myriad of music, art, history, and outdoor recreation opportunities. A mere few miles from the Connecticut border, you will find urban, suburban and rural housing and amenities.

When you live and work here, you will enjoy picturesque four-season living, year-round social and cultural events, and excellent schools. In fact, Massachusetts was once again ranked #1 in education nationally by U.S. News and World Report.

Program-at-a-glance

The Society of Surgical Oncologists-accredited Breast Oncology fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate offers a one year multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to breast disease education. As the largest dedicated breast surgery practice in western Massachusetts, we have the high volume, high complexity patient experience to offer training in all aspects of breast disease as well as education in leadership and administration.

We accept one fellow per year. Candidates must have completed a residency in general surgery or OB/GYN and be Board Eligible or Board Certified.

Meet our team

Fellowship Director

Holly Mason MD, FACS email: holly.mason@baystatehealth.org
Section Chief for Breast Surgery

Program Coordinator

Olivia Cipriani email: olivia.cipriani@baystatehealth.org | phone: 413-794-2316
By the numbers

Program metrics

  • Length of program: 1 year
  • Number of fellows/year: 1

Department metrics

Baystate breast specialists (2020)

  • >760 new patients seen (all dx, surgeon numbers only)
  • ~400 new breast cancer patients per year
  • ~70 atypia patients requiring surgery
  • ~70% breast conservation rate (direct to surgery)
  • >50% of mastectomy patients undergo reconstruction (offered to all appropriate candidates)
  • 17% referral for neoadjuvant therapy
  • Radioactive seed localization program >2800 cases since 2010

Baystate breast surgery: FY 2020 volume

  • Lumpectomy: 245
  • Focus on Oncoplastics
  • Oncoplastic reductions
  • Localized advancement flaps—LICAP, TDAP, AICAP, Crescent
  • Mastectomy: 80
  • Nipple or skin sparing mastectomy
  • Tissue expander/Implant based reconstruction
  • DIEP flap reconstructions
  • Axillary lymph node dissection: 31
  • Reverse lymphatic mapping

Baystate medical center metrics

  • Baystate Medical Center is the major teaching hospital for UMass Chan-Baystate
  • Number of hospital beds: 716
  • Number of residency programs: 10
  • Number of fellowship programs: 26
Fellow salary and benefits
  • We have attempted to maintain salaries in the 75th percentile nationally, and here in western Massachusetts, we enjoy a lower cost of living than in major urban areas.
  • View our complete list of salaries and benefits.
  • 4 weeks vacation/year, free parking
  • Disability/Malpractice/Health/Life Insurance
  • Our fellow has office space with a dedicated desk and computer at the breast center, as well as access to the office at the hospital that the breast surgeons use.
  • Baystate Health Sciences Library & Information Services and UMass Chan Medical School Libraries with access to online journals, books and other teaching resources
Curriculum

Breast surgery rotations: 32 weeks per year

Multidisciplinary experience (12 weeks per year, 3 days per week)—Rotations (4 weeks each): Plastic/Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Oncology & Genetics, Radiation Oncology, Radiology and Pathology, Psycho-oncology/Outreach/Social work/Rehabilitation

Additional curriculum: Leadership and Administration, Research with dedicated research time

Revolutionary fife and drum parade

A Wonderful Place To Be

Western Mass is a popular place to work, play and live - in every season!

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