I am a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in prostate cancer and the management of patients on active surveillance for prostate cancer.
Following an exciting nursing career in critical care and graduation with my Master of Science in Nursing from New York University in 2014, I began my work as an oncology nurse practitioner in the Men’s Sexual Health Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). In this role, I provided care for patients experiencing side effects of cancer and its treatment, including prostate cancer.
Read more
In 2019, I transitioned to the active surveillance program for prostate cancer, where I received special training under the direction and mentorship of Dr. Peter Scardino and Dr. Behfar Ehdaie. I currently follow men with low-risk prostate cancers on a conservative surveillance schedule. This schedule includes routine laboratory testing, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), physical examination, and surveillance biopsies. We provide information and support to patients and their families throughout their prostate cancer journey.
I collaborate closely with MSK prostate cancer surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists, to expertly care for patients on active surveillance using the latest research and technology.
As part of my training at MSK, I perform prostate procedures using ultrasound and MRI. This includes template biopsies, which use ultrasound and a needle to take small tissue samples from the prostate. I also perform fusion biopsies. This type of biopsy combines pictures from an MRI scan and an ultrasound to create a detailed 3-D image of the prostate.
At MSK, we can take a transperineal approach to fusion prostate biopsies. When we perform a transperineal biopsy, we pass the biopsy needle through the perineal skin and into the prostate. We also offer transrectal biopsies (where the needle is passed through the rectal wall into the prostate).
I also perform fiducial marker placement in people with prostate cancer who are preparing to start radiation therapy. Fiducial markers are tiny metal objects that help the radiation oncologist line up the beams of radiation. This makes sure the radiation therapy is delivered the same way each time. The fiducial markers also help us target the tumor and avoid any healthy tissue near it.