Dr. Deanna J. Attai is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, and is a Past- President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. After completing her undergraduate education at Vassar College, she graduated with honors from the Georgetown University School of Medicine, and then completed her General Surgery Residency at Georgetown University Hospital. Her surgical practice is limited to the care of patients with benign and malignant breast disease.

What is a Breast Surgeon?

Many women are understandably anxious when told that they are being referred to a breast surgeon, especially if it is not clear what the problem is. A breast surgeon does perform surgery, but realize that many breast-related problems are treated without an operation.

A breast surgeon has completed a general surgery residency training program. Recently, fellowship programs have been developed to provide additional breast-related surgical training, but the majority of breast surgeons in this country have not completed a fellowship as these programs are relatively new. A breast surgeon may, but does not always, focus entirely on breast conditions. In my case, 100% of my practice is devoted to the care of patients with breast conditions, so all of my continuing education and research involves staying current in this rapidly changing field.

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