Colleen M. McCarthy, MD, FRCS(C)
Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
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Areas of Expertise
My Specialties
- Breast Reconstruction (Microvascular Flaps, Pedicled Flaps, and Implants)
- Head and Neck Cancer Reconstruction with Microvascular Tissue Transfer
- Pelvic and Vaginal Reconstruction
About Me
- Attending Surgeon
I am a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with expertise in reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery, microsurgery (used to repair intricate structures such as blood vessels and nerves), and oncologic reconstruction (reconstruction after surgery for cancer).
As a reconstructive surgeon, I first take the time to understand my patients’ goals and expectations. My aim is to achieve the best possible surgical outcome that not only meets each patient’s individual needs, but also aligns with their unique preferences. It is my goal that patients feel confident that they will receive excellent care and know that I am here to help every step of the way.
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My passion for patient advocation extends beyond my clinical work at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I am co-chair of the National Breast Implant Registry, which collects information designed to ensure breast implant safety. I also serve as the principal investigator of the PROFILE Registry, a collaborative effort between the FDA and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that aims to evaluate all cases of a new, rare disease called breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in the United States. Additionally, I am a lead member of the international Global Network for BIA-ALCL, a group of experts on this topic representing 32 total countries. I recently served on an FDA panel determining the safety and efficacy of a tissue substitute in the setting of postmastectomy implant reconstruction. Finally, I currently represent the American Society of Plastic Surgeons on the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
My research interests include the evaluation of patient-reported outcomes (the study of surgical outcomes from a patient’s perspective). This information is vital for finding ways to improve outcomes for all patients who undergo reconstruction, as well as the overall surgical experience. I have authored more than 100 scientific papers and book chapters and have been invited to lecture both nationally and internationally.
A plastic and reconstructive surgeon is a doctor with special training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. These procedures restore function and appearance.
My Specialties
- Breast Reconstruction (Microvascular Flaps, Pedicled Flaps, and Implants)
- Head and Neck Cancer Reconstruction with Microvascular Tissue Transfer
- Pelvic and Vaginal Reconstruction
- Extremity Reconstruction
- Pediatric Cancer Reconstruction
Education
- MD, McMaster University
Residencies
- Plastic Surgery - University of British Columbia
Fellowships
- Reconstructive Surgery - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Board Certifications
- Plastic Surgery
Insurance Information
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In Network Coverage Type
PPO
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO, DSN
In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO
In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO
In Network Coverage Type
PPO
In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.
In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.
In Network Coverage Type
HMO
In Network Coverage Type
PPO
In Network Coverage Type
EPO
In Network Coverage Type
EPO
In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO
In Network Coverage Type
State Government
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If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.
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Contact and Location
Dr. McCarthy sees patients at two locations.
Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.
Colleagues
Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.
Clinical Trials
Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.
You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.
Search clinical trialsResearch and Publications
Selected Book Chapters
“Principles of breast reconstruction.” McCarthy CM, Disa JJ. In: Cancer Rehabilitation: Principles and Practices. Stubblefield MD, O’Dell MW, eds. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing; 2009.
“Breast reconstruction: a comparison of autogenous and prosthetic techniques.” Disa JJ, McCarthy CMIn: Advances in Surgery. Cameron JL, ed. Oxford, UK: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2005: 97-119.
“Breast cancer in previously augmented breasts.” McCarthy CM, Pusic A, Cody H III, Mehrara B. In: The American Cancer Society Atlas of Clinical Oncology. 2nd ed. Norton, L, Hudis CA, Winchester DP, eds. Hamilton, Ontario: BC Decker; 2004.
“Clinical research in breast surgery: reduction and post-mastectomy reconstruction.” Pusic AL, McCarthy C, Cano SJ, Klassen AF, Kerrigan CL. In: Clinics in Plastic Surgery. Paul MD, ed. Oxford, UK: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2008.
Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. McCarthy’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
See all on PubMedPatient Reviews
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Disclosures
Doctors and faculty members often work with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology, and life sciences companies, and other organizations outside of MSK, to find safe and effective cancer treatments, to improve patient care, and to educate the health care community.
MSK requires doctors and faculty members to report (“disclose”) the relationships and financial interests they have with external entities. As a commitment to transparency with our community, we make that information available to the public.
Colleen M. McCarthy discloses the following relationships and financial interests:
No disclosures meeting criteria for time period
If you’re a patient at MSK and would like more information about your doctor’s external relationships, please talk with your doctor.
The information published here is a complement to other publicly reported data and is for a specific annual disclosure period. There may be differences between information on this and other public sites as a result of different reporting periods and/or the various ways relationships and financial interests are categorized by organizations that publish such data.
This page and data include information for a specific MSK annual disclosure period (January 1, 2023 through disclosure submission in spring 2024). This data reflects interests that may or may not still exist. This data is updated annually.
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