At YRMG, Breast Surgery, the Focus is Caring for the Whole Person
Every new patient that LaNette Smith, MD, FACS, meets at Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Group, Breast Surgery arrives with a life-changing health issue. They also bring their individual goals, dreams, and challenges.
“Everyone is unique and at a different place in life,” says Dr. Smith, an accomplished breast surgeon with more than 20 years’ experience. “Our team is committed to meeting each person where she is and developing a treatment plan that’s right for her.”
While YRMG, Breast Surgery treatment plans are customized, they share a common trait: each one features leading-edge breast cancer treatments. Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, that may include a lumpectomy, nipple-sparing mastectomy, oncoplastic surgery or other advanced surgical procedures. The treatment plan may also incorporate immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Caring for the Whole Person
YRMG, Breast Surgery treatment plans tap other cancer specialists; experts from Dignity Health, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC); and community resources for a “whole-person” approach to caring. Examples of some of those services include:
- A Breast Cancer Support Group (sponsored by YRMG, Breast Surgery)
- Spiritual support
- Nutritional counseling
- Physical therapy
- Fitness programs
Listen, Care, and Act
Listening to patients and helping them navigate their respective treatment plan is a major component of whole-person care. This is a passion shared by every member of the YRMG, Breast Surgery team. For Dr. Smith, it’s among the most gratifying aspects of accompanying women – and men – on their breast cancer journey.
Dr. Smith remembers one breast cancer patient in particular. The woman had no family support nearby so she was driving to treatments and managing her home life – including her beloved dogs – on her own. The patient was reluctant to undergo breast surgery because she had no one to care for her dogs during her recovery.
“When we discovered this patient’s concern, our team helped her find someone who would care for her dogs after surgery,” Dr. Smith says.
Patients have shown their appreciation for Dr. Smith’s whole-patient approach and medical expertise in many ways, including through numerous “Top Doctor” recognitions.
The Golden Rule of Care
Dr. Smith is dedicated to providing care that focuses on the body, mind and spirit, an approach she considers part of her calling as a breast surgeon.
“Breast surgery patients are different from most surgical patients,” she says. “You form a long-term relationship with them, you share life experiences, and of course, you surgically care for them. My overall approach to caring for patients is simple. I treat people as I would want to be treated.”
For more information about YRMG, Breast Surgery, visit DignityHealth.org/YRMG or call 928.442.8740.