281 steps to world-class care

“We have world-class breast care here, and it’s because of the people – and the technology,” says Dr. Sarah Knowles, surgical Oncologist and Interim Medical Director. 

And every year, 23,000 patients walk the 281 steps from the front door of St. Joseph’s Hospital to the breast care program. They could be feeling any number of emotions – uncertain, hopeful, angry, scared.  The breast imaging team is there for them every step of the journey, guiding them through imaging, clinical care and surgery with skills, expertise and compassion. 

Meet five members of the team who are helping people through their journeys.  

Dr. Sarah Knowles, Surgical Oncologist and Interim Medical Director

For Dr. Knowles, every patient that does not get referred to her is a success story. As a breast surgical oncologist, she works closely with diagnostic imaging to ensure that all patients are assessed accurately before they come to her to develop a surgical plan. 

Every day, she sees first-hand how donor-funded imaging technologies like contrast-enhanced mammography are improving care for patients. “It helps me plan a more accurate surgery, so we don’t leave anything behind and give patients good cosmetic results.” 

Dr. Knowles says it’s the collaboration and close proximity between imaging, clinical care and oncology at St. Joseph’s that gives patients the best chance against breast cancer. “Our radiologists are so invested in every patient’s care…they even follow up after surgery. That means that things are never missed, we’re all on the same page.” That continuum of care helps patients feel appreciated at every stage of the journey. 

Heather Medaglia, Coordinator

“Breast care is important to everyone. Our goal is to make care less painful, more efficient and ultimately better for all people. If a patient needs help, we do everything to help them,” says Heather Medaglia, Coordinator of St. Joseph’s Breast Care Program.

Coordinating this busy department requires a lot of organization, an ongoing commitment to improvement and a passion for helping others. On any given day, Heather is triaging schedules, listening to patients share their fears, providing leadership and putting out fires – among many other tasks. 

And she couldn’t do it without her team of nurses, technologists, radiologists, physicians and staff.

 “I would be nothing without them. This is a very high functioning team and they all care,” says Heather. 

Gillian Milcz, Nurse Navigator

Gillian is an advocate and support person for patients going through breast imaging and surgery at St. Joseph’s. As a nurse navigator in the Breast Care Program, she and her colleagues are present for people throughout their breast care journey. 

Gillian meets with dozens of patients each week providing education, support and information on how to navigate through care smoothly. She and the nursing team are always just a phone call away.

“Breast care is very complex,” says Gillian. “It’s not straightforward and one process doesn’t fit all individuals.” She credits the strong teamwork and integration of service providers at St. Joseph’s with making this journey as easy as possible for patients. 

“Our whole team collaborates on care issues. We’re constantly working together to integrate care.”

Karen Betteridge, Charge Technologist

As a Charge Technologist in St. Joseph’s Breast Care Program, Karen Betteridge is responsible for organizing the day-to-day flow of the radiology team. Her role makes a big impact on patients coming in for potentially life-changing diagnostic tests like ultrasound or mammography. She’s on hand to answer their questions and support them through an emotionally-charged experience. 

It’s the team’s commitment to helping people through challenges that makes her job meaningful, says Karen.

“Everyone here has a passion for breast care, many technologists feel that either a personal experience has led us to breast imaging, or it finds us. Mammography is a different type of imaging atmosphere, it's very personal. We want to bring that personal touch to the patient, providing dignity and respect and giving them the care that they deserve.” 

Karren Stevenson Bennett, Breast Ultrasound Lead

Karren Stevenson Bennett recently took on a new responsibility at St. Joseph’s as a lead for breast ultrasounds. This role manages the day-to-day flow of breast exams so that patients get the care they need, when they need it. It’s a key liaison in the breast imaging area, and Karren works closely with radiologists, technologists, nurse navigators, the surgical team, doctors and patients to make sure things run smoothly for everyone.

“Every patient is so different in terms of what they need,” says Karren. 

She’s proud to be part of a team dedicated to putting the patient first and making the road to diagnosis as quick and comfortable as possible. There’s a lot of mutual respect on the team – and particularly toward the patients who constantly inspire them with their strength. 

“I'm very hopeful for the future of women's health,” says Karren. “Women's bodies are so complex and so much more needs to be put into understanding them.”

Donors help ensure patients receive the best possible care by funding new equipment and technology that otherwise wouldn’t be possible. Your donation today will support breast imaging.

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