Tag: surgery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New England Cancer Specialists Announces Growth of Breast and Surgical Services with the Launch of the Center for Breast Health

Rock Row Campus to House New Comprehensive Breast Health Program Led by Dr. Chiara Battelli, Dr. Eleni Nackos, and Top Surgeons Dr. Paige Teller and Dr. Jillian Smith

Scarborough, ME – New England Cancer Specialists (NECS) is proud to announce plans for the creation of a new Center for Breast Health, an innovative program designed to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals facing breast cancer and related conditions. The Center brings together an extensive range of services under one roof—from diagnosis to survivorship—making NECS the premier choice for cancer care in New England.

The new program gains significant momentum with the addition of Dr. Paige Teller and Dr. Jillian Smith, two of New England’s most experienced breast surgeons. This surgical expansion complements NECS’s established expertise in medical oncology, which is already paired with counseling, nutrition, genetic testing, survivorship support, and seamless collaboration with patient primary care providers.

“With the addition of surgical services, NECS’s Center for Breast Health will bring hope to many,” said Lee Elwell, Vice President of Operations at NECS. “Our patients will benefit from having world-class care in their community, supported by our unique and deep affiliation with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.”

Dr. Jillian Smith Joins NECS

The Center for Breast Health proudly welcomes Dr. Jillian Smith, whose expertise and dedication to patient care has elevated surgical services in New England over recent years. A Massachusetts native, Dr. Smith returned to New England in 2021 after leading surgical oncology and breast surgery programs in Pennsylvania. Her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care has been the hallmark of her career.

Dr. Smith completed her undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University and earned her medical degree at the University of Massachusetts. She trained in general surgery at UMass and further specialized with a fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Board-certified in both General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, Dr. Smith is passionate about delivering industry-leading treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

“Breast cancer affects more than just the patient—it touches their entire family,” said Dr. Smith. “At NECS, we are creating a program that provides not only top-tier surgical care but also the support and resources patients and their families need throughout their journey.”

Dr. Smith joins Dr. Paige Teller, a well-established leader in the Maine surgical community, to deliver exceptional care at the Center for Breast Health. Together, they are building a program that integrates the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment with a compassionate, team-based approach.

NECS at Rock Row: A World Class Home for Oncology Care

The opening of NECS’s new Rock Row campus marks a transformative moment for cancer care in the region. The new campus allows for the inclusion of a breast surgery program. The campus will also include Radiation Oncology, further enhancing NECS ability to provide multidisciplinary care. As the only Affiliate Member of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute globally, NECS offers patients access to first-of-clinical trials and innovative therapies, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in cancer care.”The Center for Breast Health solidifies and deepens NECS commitment to our communities and delivers comprehensive first-class care right here in Maine without the need to travel,” said Dr. Chiara Battelli, President of New England Cancer Specialists. “We believe that there is no better place for healing than home.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

New England Cancer Specialists Welcomes Oncologist Dr. Laura Salama, Expanding Specialized Breast Care Services to Southern Maine and Seacoast New Hampshire 

Scarborough, Maine — New England Cancer Specialists (NECS) is proud to announce the arrival of Dr. Laura Salama, a breast specialist who will bring her expertise to Southern Maine and Seacoast New Hampshire. Dr. Salama’s addition reflects NECS’s continued commitment to providing comprehensive and expert care to the region’s cancer patients. 

Dr. Salama was most recently at Dartmouth Medical Center and is a highly regarded breast medical oncologist who shared: “Being a member of the Seacoast community, I’ve watched the impact that NECS has had on cancer care in New England. I knew that I needed to be part of bringing breast cancer care and leading-edge clinical trials home to my community. It is a dream come true to join this exceptional breast cancer team.” 

Dr. Salama is the second major physician addition announced by NECS in the last two months, underscoring the growing demand for dedicated breast health services in these communities. She joins a robust breast health team that includes breast medical oncologists Dr. Chiara Battelli, Dr. Brian Haney, and Dr. Eleni Nackos, as well as Dr. Paige Teller, a highly regarded breast surgeon who joined NECS earlier this year. Together, this team will deliver advanced, compassionate, and collaborative breast health care to patients across New England. 

“Dr. Salama’s expertise and passion for breast care are a perfect fit for NECS,” said Dr. Devon Evans, Medical Oncologist at New England Cancer Specialists. “Her presence will not only expand access to specialized breast care for patients in Southern Maine but will also be transformative for New Hampshire’s Seacoast region, where such services are urgently needed. We are thrilled to have her on board.” 

Dr. Paige Teller, who has been instrumental in advancing NECS’s breast care surgery program, praised the addition of Dr. Salama. “Dr. Salama’s arrival is a bright moment for breast health in New England. We are building a program that not only meets the patients’ needs but exceeds their expectations. Her expertise will ensure this compassionate and exceptional care can expand closer to home.”