Q&A: Dr. Diane Lockhart, breast surgeon- Worcester Business Journal

Dr. Lockhart is medical director for the Breast Care Program at Saint Vincent Cancer & Wellness Center.

 Q: Why did you get into this field?

 A: The ever increasing knowledge of the physiology of cancer can be very stimulating. It is very rewarding to be able to translate that into better results for patients.

Q: How has the field changed during your career?

 A: Since I was in my training, the incidence of breast cancer has increased from 183,000 people per year to 224,000 people this past year. But at the same time, the mortality from breast cancer has continued to decline. With the advent of therapies that follow a surgery, the medical community has been able to make this a disease that is survivable, which is very encouraging.

 Q: What do you enjoy the most about it?

 A: I enjoy the interactions between our group of physicians here at Saint Vincent Hospital. On top of that, our patients start to feel very much like family.

 Q: What is your greatest challenge?

A: Creating opportunities to better educate our community about breast health and breast cancer care.

This interview was conducted and edited by Emily Micucci