Ep. 16 - How to Approach Patient Risk Evaluation and Management
Release Date: 07/29/2025
The Next Breast Thing
You're getting sued for medical malpractice, now what? In this second part of our malpractice series, legal expert Angela Klein returns to continue the conversation on navigating one of the most challenging aspects of surgical practice. The co-hosts and Angela discuss what to expect during a claim, how to communicate effectively, and how to protect your emotional well-being throughout the process. It’s an honest, practical discussion designed to prepare surgeons for the realities behind the headlines. SPECIAL GUEST Angela Lund Klein, Esq. is a trial lawyer based in Colorado with a...
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Are you prepared for a medical malpractice claim? In this first part of a two-part episode, legal expert Angela Klein joins the co-hosts for a conversation about one of the most feared topics in medicine, medical malpractice. They'll cover how breast surgeons can prevent lawsuits, protect their reputation, and respond effectively when claims arise. It’s an essential conversation about preparation, protection, and professionalism in today’s surgical landscape. SPECIAL GUEST Angela Lund Klein, Esq. is a trial lawyer based in Colorado with a focus on the representation of physicians,...
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How have the SOUND Trials impacted modern breast surgery practice? Join the co-hosts as they share their thoughts and experiences regarding what the SOUND Trial means for breast surgery practice today. They explore how this landmark study is reshaping surgical decision-making, reducing overtreatment, and empowering evidence-based care. MEET THE CO-HOSTS Michael Berry, MD is a breast surgical oncologist at the West Cancer Center in Germantown, TN. After practicing general surgery for 6 years, he completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at UT Southwestern in Dallas in 2002....
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Are you doing everything you can to educate your patients? Join the co-hosts as they discuss communication strategies, tools, and real-world approaches to ensure patients feel informed, empowered, and supported. MEET THE CO-HOSTS Michael Berry, MD is a breast surgical oncologist at the West Cancer Center in Germantown, TN. After practicing general surgery for 6 years, he completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at UT Southwestern in Dallas in 2002. Upon leaving Texas, he moved to the Memphis, TN area where he was the first fellowship trained breast surgeon in the region;...
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If you've ever struggled talking with patients about the side effects of breast cancer treatment, this episode is for you. Join the co-hosts as they shine a light on both the physical and psychological side effects of cancer treatment and their impact on patients’ lives. They'll share practical strategies, clinical insights, and supportive approaches to help you guide patients through these challenges with empathy and expertise. MEET THE CO-HOSTS Michael Berry, MD is a breast surgical oncologist at the West Cancer Center in Germantown, TN. After practicing general...
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Behind every “I do” lies the possibility that love can cost you your practice, your assets, and your future. In this episode, “Super Lawyer” Jill Blomberg sits down with the co-hosts to break down the essentials of matrimonial law for breast surgeons. From safeguarding assets to navigating divorce, she offers clear, practical advice that every surgeon should understand. As referenced in the episode, the American Academy of Matriomonial Lawyers website is SPECIAL GUEST Jill Blomberg’s passion for family law is deeply...
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Is DCIS cancer or not? What do we tell our patients? What's the surgeon's role? Let's get ready to rumble! In this episode, the co-hosts take on the hotly debated topic of DCIS, sparring over whether it’s a diagnosis, a dilemma, or something in between. Join them as they weigh the evidence, controversies, and clinical approaches shaping how breast surgeons navigate DCIS today. It’s a lively, no-holds-barred conversation you won’t want to miss! Join the conversation on The Next Breast Thing Facebook Group at MEET THE CO-HOSTS Michael Berry, MD is a breast surgical...
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Surgeon burnout has become a silent epidemic, but is there anything we can really do to combat its effects? Join Ellie, Michael and Susie for an honest and empowering conversation designed to help you reclaim balance and purpose in your surgical career. Along the way, they'll share tips, mindset shifts, and real-life practices to protect your well-being while sustaining a high level of patient care. Join the conversation on The Next Breast Thing Facebook Group at MEET THE CO-HOSTS Michael Berry, MD is a breast surgical oncologist at the West Cancer Center in...
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Are you doing everything you can to help your patients evaluate and manage their risk? Join the co-hosts as they open up about their personal approaches, perspectives, and experiences when it comes to the high-stakes of risk evaluation and management. Also, hear the much-anticipated announcement of Michael's calf's name, Ellie's baby elephant encounter and Susie's recent "off the grid" family adventure. Join the conversation on The Next Breast Thing Facebook Group at MEET THE CO-HOSTS Michael Berry, MD is a breast surgical oncologist at the West Cancer...
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Ever wonder what it takes to be a great leader? In this episode, Carla, Michael, Susan and Susie share their own insights on what it takes to lead inside and outside the OR. If you're ready to grow into the leader you've always wanted to be, this conversation just might be your roadmap. Join the conversation on The Next Breast Thing Facebook Group at MEET THE CO-HOSTS Michael Berry, MD is a breast surgical oncologist at the West Cancer Center in Germantown, TN. After practicing general surgery for 6 years, he completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at UT...
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Michael Berry, MD is a breast surgical oncologist at the West Cancer Center in Germantown, TN. After practicing general surgery for 6 years, he completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at UT Southwestern in Dallas in 2002. Upon leaving Texas, he moved to the Memphis, TN area where he was the first fellowship trained breast surgeon in the region; and this is where he remains today. Dr. Berry has long taught breast ultrasound diagnosis, intervention and ablation. However, his particular interest is in education, as he currently serves on the Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship Training Committee, which oversees the fellowship programs in the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Berry is currently the president-elect of the American Society of Breast Surgeons and will begin his term as president in May of 2025.

Susan K. Boolbol, MD, FACS is the system chief of breast surgical oncology and breast program at Nuvance Health. She is a board-certified, fellowship-trained breast surgeon and performs a variety of breast cancer surgeries including lumpectomies and mastectomies. She has a special interest in oncoplastic surgery and nipple-sparing mastectomy; she is also a Hidden Scar certified surgeon. Dr. Boolbol’s personal mission is to diagnose and successfully treat breast cancer and breast conditions while caring for the whole patient – emotionally and physically – every step of the way. Dr. Boolbol is the immediate Past President of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. She joined Nuvance Health after serving as chief of breast surgery at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center. She completed her breast surgery fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center after her residency in general surgery at New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center. Dr. Boolbol earned her medical degree from George Washington University School of Medicine.

Carla Fisher, MD, MBA, FACS is the Division Chief of Breast Surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine and an Associate Professor of Surgery. Dr. Fisher is also the director of the IU Dept of of Surgery Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship. She earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and completed her residency in general surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina and her fellowship as a surgical fellow in breast oncology at Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Fisher is a certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Society of Surgical Oncologists and the Association of Academic Surgeons.

Susie Hagen, MD, FACS received her medical degree from the University of South Carolina. She completed her residency in General Surgery at the University of Iowa. In addition, Dr. Hagen earned her Master of Science in Public Health from the University of South Carolina and a Master in Medical Education from the University of Iowa. Her special interests are benign and malignant breast disease, complex wound, and robotic surgeries. Dr. Hagen obtained a certification in the Advanced Trauma Operative Management Course and she is an Advanced Trauma Life Support Instructor. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, Colorado Medical Society and the Boulder County Medical Society. She has received the following national awards; the American Medical Association Leadership Award, Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, and the American College of Surgeons Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Hagen is the medical director of surgical services at Boulder Community Health, a level 2 trauma center. While she does not claim to be a runner, she has almost completed 1000 days of running consecutively.

Ellie Kraft, MD, FACS is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA. Before pursuing medicine, she worked briefly in finance. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Kansas and completed her general surgery residency at New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Dr. Kraft then performed her breast surgical oncology and oncoplastic surgery fellowship at the University of Southern California and Hoag Hospital, training under Dr. Mel Silverstein, the "father of oncoplastic surgery." She is a founding faculty member of Hoag’s first stand-alone Oncoplastic Fellowship, which began in July 2024, and was recently inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She lives in Laguna Beach with her husband Patrick and their two Labrador Retrievers, Dr. Kraft has a passion for learning new things in her free time, especially non-surgical topics like personal development, entrepreneurship, nutrition, and mindfulness and has a daily movement/ meditation practice.
CONTENT DISCLAIMER: The content within The Next Breast Thing Podcast represents the views, thoughts, and opinions of the co-hosts and may not reflect the views, thoughts, and opinions of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.