MSK breast medical oncologist Elizabeth Comen

Elizabeth Comen, MD

Breast Oncologist

My Role at MSK

Areas of Expertise

My Specialties

  • Breast Cancer

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About Me

What I Do at MSK
  • Assistant Attending Physician
Get To Know Me

I am a medical oncologist with expertise in treating all stages of breast cancer in people of all ages, including young women who have unique concerns about fertility.

Over the years, I have learned how terrifying a breast cancer diagnosis can be for my patients and their families. My practice is focused on providing personalized, compassionate care that is based on the most up-to-date research, diagnostic tools, and therapies. My patients, along with a team of experts from many different departments across Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), are my most important partners in developing treatment plans.

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Since college, I have never wavered in my choice of becoming a breast medical oncologist. A volunteer opportunity at a hospital boutique helping women with wigs and breast prostheses taught me that a patient’s experience with breast cancer encompasses so much more than just the biology of the disease. At the same time, some of my family members were affected by cancer, and I was fortunate to be exposed to leaders in the field. These experiences led me to work in a lab, where I studied the estrogen receptor. I was — and continue to be — fascinated by the science and ever-changing advances of breast cancer.

My research focuses on improving how we identify, prevent, and treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. I work to understand the environment in which cancer grows and how the immune system can play an important role in cancer development. I am also leading a clinical trial aimed at mobilizing the immune system to attack cancer early on in a patient’s diagnosis.

When patients first meet with me, they often feel as though the rug has been pulled right out from under them. One of the first things I ask is what they are most afraid of. Everyone is unique in their fears, so addressing those fears as well as needs and treatment goals helps us work together to create the most effective care plan.

At the end of each appointment, I hope each patient feels that they have been heard, understands their diagnosis, and is confident in the treatment plan we’ve created together. I also want them to know that they are not alone — we are here to help.

Beyond clinical care, I am passionate about communicating essential medical and scientific information to the public, particularly as it relates to women’s healthcare and wellness. I also have had the privilege of mentoring countless students throughout their academic and medical careers.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and three young children. I also enjoy exercise such as running, yoga, dancing — you name it, I’ve tried it!

My Role at MSK

A breast oncologist is a doctor with special training in breast cancer.

Areas of Expertise

My Specialties

  • Breast Cancer
Education & Honors

Education

  • MD, Harvard Medical School

Residencies

  • Mount Sinai Medical Center (New York)

Awards and Honors

  • Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctor (2024)
  • Top Doctors New York Metro Area, Castle Connolly (2023)
  • Castle Connolly: America's Top Doctors (2017-2023)
  • ASCO Merit Award
  • Young Investigator Award, Conquer Cancer Foundation (ASCO)
  • Breast Cancer Breakthrough Award, Department of Defense
  • The Lambert Foundation Award, Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Fellowships

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Board Certifications

  • Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology

Insurance Information

Understanding your insurance options is an important part of managing your cancer care. We have relationships with many common healthcare providers and plans.

Aetna

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS, Transplant

Aetna Medicare Advantage (MTA retirees only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield New York

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS

Blue Cross Health Plus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Carrum Health

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

Cigna

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

MSK has a tentative agreement with Cigna to continue coverage in 2024.

Connecticare

In Network Coverage Type
POS, EPO, HMO

Emblem

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.

Emblem Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Emblem Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Empire Blue Cross Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO, DSN

Empire Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Empire Plan / NYSHIP (Blue Cross/UnitedHealthcare split plan)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Fidelis

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.

Fidelis Managed Medicaid & HARP

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Fidelis Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

First Health

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Healthfirst

In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.

Healthfirst Managed Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Healthsmart

In Network Coverage Type
PPO EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (HMO)

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (PPO)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier I (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier II (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

Horizon Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Husky CT Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Magnacare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO

Straight NJ Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Straight NY Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare)

In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

MVP

In Network Coverage Type
PPO/OAP

Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

NYC Medicare Advantage Plus for City Employees

In Network Coverage Type
TBD

Oscar

In Network Coverage Type
HMO/EPO

Oxford

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, EPO

World Trade Center Health Program (WTC)

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Qualcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Tricare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

UMR

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS

United Healthcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Don't see your carrier or plan? We can help you understand your coverage.

If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.

If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.

Make an Appointment

Current Patients

Request an appointment by logging on to MyMSK or calling your doctor’s office. If you aren’t registered for MyMSK, call 646-227-2593 for your Enrollment ID.

Contact and Location

Dr. Comen sees patients at one location.

Office Phone
Location
New York, NY
300 East 66th Street Floors 1 - 4 New York NY 10065

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. I work closely with nurses, nurse practitioners, other doctors, and many other experts. We combine our expertise to provide comprehensive care to our patients at every step of their cancer journey.

See all Breast Medicine Service doctors

Clinical Trials

Smiling doctors in the lab
Find a Clinical Trial for You

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 trials

Research and Publications

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Comen’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 PubMed