Breast Cancer Program Coordinator
University of Minnesota Medical Center
Susan Pappas-Varco is recognized
as one of Minnesota’s leading experts in the field of
patient care and breast cancer. Although a nurse since the
early 1970’s, Susan’s first direct experience with
breast cancer was when her 47 year-old sister, Mary Alice,
was diagnosed with an advanced case of the disease 13 years
ago. Susan became passionate about the impact of breast
cancer on the lives of women and was inspired by many of the
amazing women she met who were survivors. She started
doing volunteer work for breast cancer organizations and in
1998 became the program coordinator for the University of Minnesota
Medical Center breast cancer program. “This is
a job I have loved: it is such a privilege to be part of a
woman’s life at such a critical time. I continually
learn from the woman that I have had the opportunity to work
with.” Much of her work involves working with women
who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer and coordinating
their medical care to make sure they are seeing the right person
for their treatment. She also moderates two supports
groups with Ann Cummins, LSW; one is a Young Women’s
Survivor Group for women under 40. And she coordinates
weekly breast cancer casework reviews for those professionals
involved in a patient’s treatment plan.
In addition to a nursing degree
from University of Minnesota at Mankato, Susan also has a Master's
degree in Counseling Psychology. The combination of nursing
and psychology has provided invaluable skills in the work that
she loves. Susan began her nursing career working as
a staff nurse in New York City at Cornell Medical Center. After
relocating back to Minnesota in 1975, she became a nursing
manager/director at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.
She currently does lots of public speaking engagements both
as an educator and advocate for breast cancer and patient care.
Her topics include "Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment", "Beyond
Breast Cancer", "Am I At Risk?" She has
given over 50 presentations to a variety of community groups,
breast cancer survivors, and health professionals and has received
several patient service awards from the University of Minnesota. Susan
has been a member of the steering committee for the Twin Cities
Race for the Cure for the last 10 years.
Susan remains passionately interested
in breast cancer. “I am so interested in this disease,
and I always want to know more. I am always pushing to
make it better.” She believes that all of her patients
will do well and come out stronger for the experience. Her
optimism is contagious.
And
finally, Susan is happy to report that today her sister, Mary
Alice, is healthy and living a wonderful life.
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