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of reconstruction, but it is important for physicians and patients alike to put them in context of the impact of other treatment variables for breast cancer such as adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This interactive discussion establishes the trusted relationship between surgeon and patient that may continue for years due to the longitudinal nature of breast reconstruction. Improved patientcentered communication of information promotes a strong patient-surgeon relationship, which has been shown to positively impact satisfaction with breast reconstruction and overall patient outcomes. Patients should feel that their plastic surgeon is competent, reassuring and thorough.
Above all, the physician must nurture an environment where the patient feels comfortable sharing intimate concerns and asking questions to meet her information needs. Disagreements about treatment decisions are inevitable, but physicians engaged in shared decision-making during disagreements often end up with more satisfied patients. Fortunately, the culture of physicians has transformed from their roles characterized by authority to goals of partnership and collaboration. Breast cancer treatment can be quite stressful, but thorough communication and informed involvement from all team members can ease this journey. The patient-surgeon relationship in
breast reconstruction begins with providing information, empathy and comfort to patients; demonstrating competence; and encouraging ample opportunities for patients to ask questions. Supplemental resources outside of the patient-physician conversation can be useful to increase engagement in shared decision-making. Visit plasticsurgery.org or breastreconusa. org for more information. ASPS member Daniel Liu, MD, is a boardcertified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® in northern Illinois. Dr. Liu specializes in all forms of breast reconstruction and is passionate about promoting public education on breast reconstruction and plastic surgery.
As gala’s success grows, surgeons eye potential for future By Paul Snyder
M
osharaffa Plastic Surgery of Phoenix turned back the clock 30 years for a 1980s theme with its third annual Beauty For Good gala earlier this year. Beauty For Good serves as a fundraising foundation for medically based charities and was established by ASPS members Tamir Mosharrafa, MD, and Ali Mosharrafa, MD. The foundation partners with several organizations to raise funds and awareness for various local and national charities, including the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Fund. This year’s gala, which boasted a 1980s theme, raised nearly $50,000 for Beauty For Good’s partners. With fun costumes, dancing and a cover band playing an array of hits from the 1980s, Dr. Tamir Mosharrafa says the night was a tremendous success and is continuing its pace of growth in terms of local awareness and attendance. Nevertheless, he says he’s not yet convinced that the event – or the foundation – has realized its full potential yet. “We’re still not where we really want to be,” Dr. Mosharaffa says. “We’re still dreaming really big for this charity and for this opportunity to serve our charitable partners in the community. We want to continue to write bigger checks to our partners and provide more support.” For each cosmetic procedure that Mosharaffa Plastic Surgery performs, $100 goes to Beauty For Good and the donation is subsequently redistributed to the foundation’s charitable partners. Contributions can also be made through 28
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the practice’s website. Next year, Dr. Mosharaffa says he hopes to increase the corporate contributions to the fund. “I hope there will be different tiers of sponsorship and participation that will not only attract corporate sponsors, but also local businesses,” he says. “I want all of our attendees to be aware of how they participate in the entire process.” The focus on breast reconstruction in particular, Dr. Mosharaffa says, is something that is never far from his or his brother’s mind. The procedure is why the two went into practice in the beginning, and he says caring for women with breast cancer is why they Tamir Mosharrafa, MD, and Ali Mosharrafa, MD, in their 1980s attire. come to work every day. “Breast reconstruction has always been and will always be the core of what we do here,” he says. “Beauty For Good, being an extension of our practice and our outreach to the community is, by nature, focused on breast reconstruction because that’s what we do. Our partners are centered around taking care of women dealing with cancer and how they can help them move to their next phase of life. It’s an important mission to take part in.”
