Global Collaboration and Learning on the Topic of Breast Reconstruction

Collaboration is defined as an action working together with someone to produce or create something. My chosen profession is education. Working with my team in school districts to share ideas exhilarated me. Now, as a nonprofit leader and Founder of DiepCFoundation, I frequently experience global collaboration and learning on the topic of breast reconstruction.

Developing a Community of Collaboration

Our geographic world is expansive but our ability to collaborate is only an email, text, or message away. When I opened the DiepCJourney private Facebook page, often referred to by members as “The Journey” in the summer of 2015, I had no idea the global relationships that would develop on this page, let alone the other social media accounts I use for the Foundation. The need for education, support, and resources for all options of breast reconstruction after mastectomy continues. I witness this every day on “The Journey”.

I set the rules for this page, and they reflect the mission of the Foundation. Each day we evolve as a global community of learning. Included in this community are patients affected by breast cancer and healthcare professionals who work with the breast cancer community. Setting high standards is imperative to me in order to establish trust. I want to nourish this community so we can learn together, and help patients feel they have a sense of control by providing evidence-based information. Leaning on surgeons and others to provide the latest and best surgical techniques offered to patients is a true blessing.

It is working! I witness first-hand the interaction of patients. Surgeons share free webinars, events, conferences, and peer reviewed articles to inform patients about what they can expect when making choices for breast surgery and reconstruction when affected by breast cancer. Patients ask, and surgeons and healthcare providers give us answers. The DiepCFoundation educational channel is full of interviews with information I frequently share with members. It is for members and actually includes member surgeons, patients, and healthcare professionals.

The Astonishing Event of Learning

Recently, I received an email from an Australian microsurgeon, Dr. Joe Dusseldorp. He and I became acquainted with each other’s work via social media. Soon after, I invited him to join the private Facebook group as a global representative. We have many members from Australia on the Journey.

His email request was to connect him to the reconstructive surgeon who performed my DIEP flap, Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. Dr. Joe knows Dr. C and I frequently work together as surgeon and patient advocate. We provide information for patients about breast reconstruction and the shared decision-making process. Dr. Joe was working on a case for a specific patient. He wanted to discuss the procedure and ask about nerve preservation to provide optimal outcomes for the patient. All I could think was, what a meeting of two astonishing minds this will be! I am overjoyed to make such connections. How fortunate we are as patients to know surgeons are sharing the skill and passion for their work on our behalf!

The Topic of Breast Reconstruction is Ever Evolving

I embrace this global collaboration. Conferences across the world in various countries have been able to continue sharing this information. Did I ever believe starting a Facebook group would lead to such a world-wide alliance? I am still pinching myself! I hope it happens often on behalf of those who have been affected by breast cancer. It is through this global collaboration and learning on the topic of breast reconstruction we are all a more empowered community!

Thank you, Dr. Joe, and Dr. C for choosing to have this cross continental “meet up with mates”!

Disclaimer

References made to my surgical group, surgeon and healthcare team are made because they are aligned with my values and met my criterion after I did research of their practices and success rates. Any other healthcare provider that displays the same skill, compassion education and outreach to patients will be given consideration and recognition on this website.  The information contained on this website is not a substitute for or should be construed as medical advice. Please consult a licensed physician for medical advice.