Overview
Breast Surgery Team
Our breast surgery team consists of five fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologists who specialize in the surgical management of benign and malignant breast disease. They are affiliated with the McGill University Department of Surgery and Oncology and work closely with colleagues in the Departments of Breast Radiology, Medical and Radiation Oncology, Genetics, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to coordinate and oversee the clinical care of our patients requiring breast surgery.
Medical Director: Mark Basik, MD
Breast Surgeons:
From left to right:
- Dr. Mark Basik MD
- Dr Jean-François Boileau, MD MSc
- Dr. Stephanie Wong, MD MPH
- Dr. Ipshita Prakash, MD MSc
- Dr. Karyne Martel, MD
For more detailed information, including the surgeon's professional background, research focus, and recognitions, please refer to the "Breast Surgeons" section on the page below.
Clinic hours
Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m..
By appointment only.
How to reach us
Main line
Tel: (514) 340-8222 ext. 24210
Fax: (514) 340-8302
Administrative staff
- Maria Ioffredda
For Drs. Mark Basik, Jean-François Boileau, Ipshita Prakash et Stephanie Wong
Tel: (514) 340-8222 ext. 24210
Location: E Pavilion, E710
- Doranteena Vincent
For Dr. Martel
Tel: (514) 340-8222 ext. 27974
Location: E Pavilion, E710
Patient care coordinator
- Taahira Payne
Available to assist with booking your surgery date, post-operative follow-up appointment, and providing details about the pre-surgery information sessions. She will also organize all pre-operative testing and procedures, and is an excellent resource if you have questions about what to expect the day of your surgery.
Email:
tpayne@jgh.mcgill.ca
Tel: (514) 340-8222 ext 25549
Location: E Pavilion, E710
Pivot nurses
- Erika Martinez
- Brandy Vanderbyl
Tel: (514) 340-8222 ext. 22361 / 23562
Where to find us
Pavilion E, 7th floor
Jewish General Hospital
3755 Chemin de la Cote Ste Catherine
Montreal, Qc, Canada, H3T1E2
Planning your visit
Diagnostic Imaging
If you need further diagnostic imaging with mammography, ultrasound, or breast MRI, you will be directed to the CRID (Breast Referral and Investigation Centre), located on the 10th floor of the E-pavilion.
Learn more about the CRID Radiologie.
Breast Biopsies
If you need a breast biopsy:
- The Breast Referral and Investigation Centre (CRID Radiologie) will schedule your biopsy. A staff member will call you to set up the appointment.
Learn more about the CRID Radiologie. - The Rapid Investigation Clinic is here to support you through the process, with a dedicated team of Nurse Navigators and Physicians. This clinic provides specialized care for those undergoing breast biopsy; such as pre and post-biopsy instructions, discussing your results, and referring you to the appropriate care team if needed.
- To learn more about the breast biopsy procedure: you can read our Patient Guides on Breast Biopsies available on the page for The Rapid Investigation Clinic.
Surgical consultation
If needed, surgical consultations with one of our surgeons at the Breast Surgery Clinic are scheduled following your imaging/biopsy exams to discuss the results and plan the next steps in your care.
Pivot nurses
Our Pivot nurses are there to organize, provide support, and answer any questions you have around surgery.
You can find the Pivot Nurses contact details in the “How to Reach Us” section of this page.
Genetics
Since September 2019, we offer genetic testing to all patients under 70 years old with a newly diagnosed invasive breast cancer through our GREAT AGATA study and Cancer Genetics program led by Dr. William Foulkes.
Learn more about Genetic testing and our GREAT AGATA study.
Learn more about our Genetics Care & Services.
Booking your surgery
Once your surgery is confirmed our Patient Care Coordinator will assist you with scheduling your surgery date and post-operative follow-up appointment. You can find the Patient Care Coordinator's contact details in the “How to Reach Us” section of this page.
Pre-surgery information sessions
We offer monthly pre-surgery information sessions for patients undergoing partial or full mastectomies. The goal of this session is to better prepare you for your surgery by addressing any questions and concerns you may have.
Below are the presentations for:
For any questions or additional information, please contact the Patient Care Coordinator. Contact details can be found in the “How to Reach Us” section of this page.
Exercises & post-surgical care
After breast surgery, you may have questions about what to expect during your recovery. Rest assured, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We provide personalized exercises and post-surgical care plans to help you heal safely and comfortably, ensuring you feel supported and confident as you begin your recovery journey.
Lymphedema program
The Lymphedema Clinic at the Jewish General hospital provides specialized care for patients who experience breast and/or arm swelling (lymphedema) following breast surgery and/or radiation. The clinic is run by Natasha Grant, Pht a physiotherapist who is specialized in lymphedema management and who has training in Combined Decongestive Therapy (Vodder) and Aqua-Lymphatic Therapy (ALT)-Tidhar method.
Services of the clinic include:
- Initial assessment and follow-up care
- Compression bandaging and garment management
- Risk reduction practices
- Education on self-management and exercise programs
Access to the clinic: The clinic is open to all patients followed by an oncologist or physician at the Jewish General Hospital. Referral by your breast surgeon or oncologist is required.
Learn more about the Lymphedema clinic
Multidisciplinary oncology team
If you require breast cancer treatment, we work as a team with specialists in medical oncology and radiation oncology. Our multidisciplinary team also includes experts such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, nutritionists, and psychosocial oncology professionals, all working together to support your care. We will coordinate referrals to these specialists to provide you with complete and timely treatment.
Learn more about our Breast Cancer Services.
Breast Sugeons
Mark Basik MD
Accreditations
Herbert Black Chair in Surgical Oncology
Professor, Department of Surgical and Oncology, McGill University
Senior Scientist, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research
Head, Cancer Genomics and Translational Research Laboratory, Segal Cancer Centre
Post Doctoral Training
General Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Centre, New York
NIH Visiting Investigator, National Human Genome Research Institute, Maryland
Education
MD, McGill University Medical School, Quebec
General Surgery, Université de Montréal, Quebec
Professional Recognitions and Honors
Co-chair of the NCI Breast Oncology Local Disease (BOLD) Task Force in 2016-2020
President, Scientific Advisory Committee, Canadian Cancer Research Society 2021
Research Focus
Mark Basik's laboratory bridges basic and clinical research to study drug resistance as well as novel tumor markers in breast cancer patients. The research focuses mainly on triple-negative breast cancers, the most aggressive breast cancer subtype. Many cancer patients inevitably develop drug resistance at some point during their treatment. Our team makes use of cutting-edge technologies and patient specimens to further understand the mechanisms behind the emergence of resistance; identify novel therapeutic targets as well as biomarkers such as circulating tumor DNA to monitor recurrence. The ultimate objective of our work is to circumvent resistance and improve cancer therapy to benefit cancer patients.
Jean Francois Boileau MD MSc
Accreditations
Associate Professor, Department of Surgery and Oncology, McGill University
Director, Jewish General Hospital Breast Clinical Trials Group
Post Doctoral Training
Surgical Oncology, University of Toronto, Ontario
Education
MD, Université de Montréal, Quebec
MSc Biomedical sciences (Clinical Trials), Université de Montréal, Quebec
Professional Recognitions and Honors
Principal Investigator, SN FNAC Trial, Canadian multicentre study evaluating the accuracy of sentinel node biopsy in node-positive breast cancer patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (JCO, 2015)
National Bank Innovation and Community Support Award
Research Focus
Clinical trials involving preoperative and adjuvant systemic therapy for the treatment of breast cancer and axillary management following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Was the principal investigator of the SN FNAC Trial, a Canadian multi-centred study evaluating the accuracy of sentinel node biopsy in node-positive breast cancer patients following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (JCO, 2015). Current co-senior investigator for the TADEN trial evaluating Targeted Axillary Dissection (TAD) in Early-stage Node Positive Breast Cancer.
Karyne Martel MD
Accreditations
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, McGill University
Post Doctoral Training
Complex Surgical Oncology, McGill University Medical School, Quebec
Education
MD, Université de Montréal, Quebec
Research Focus
Karyne Martel's clinical and research interest involves incorporating level I and II oncoplastic techniques in the treatment of breast cancer to minimize the impact of surgery and optimize quality of life for patients. She has completed additional certificate training from the Society of Oncoplastic Surgery and Brazilian Society of Mastology and is a member of the International Oncoplastic Breast Consortium (OPBC).
Ipshita Prakash MD MSc
Accreditations
Assistant Professor, Departments of Surgery and Oncology, McGill University
Clinician Investigator, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research
Director, McGill Breast Outcomes Research Group
Post Doctoral Training
Breast Surgical Oncology, Duke University, North Carolina
Education
MD, McGill University Medical School, Quebec
MSc Health Policy Planning & Financing, London School of Economics, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
Research Focus
Ipshita Prakash's research program focuses on health services research, specifically breast cancer financial toxicity and disparities, as well as access to specialized care. With her research, she hopes to examine breast cancer outcomes through an inter-disciplinary lens, improve access to breast cancer care for underserved groups and eliminate disparities. She directs the McGill Breast Cancer Outcomes Group and is a founding member of the McGill Global Oncology Program. She is also part of the World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative to reduce global breast cancer mortality.
Stephanie Wong MD MPH
Accreditations
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery and Oncology, McGill University
Clinician Investigator, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research
Director, High Risk Breast Clinic, JGH Stroll Cancer Prevention Centre
Post Doctoral Training
Breast Surgical Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's and Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts
Education
MD, McGill Medical School, Quebec
MPH Clinical Effectiveness, Harvard School of Public Health, Massachusetts
Professional Recognitions and Honors
FRQS Clinical Research Scholars Junior 1 Award (2021-2025)
QBCF Emerging Scientist Award (2022)
Research Focus
Stephanie Wong's research program focuses on women at increased risk for developing breast cancer, including women with a genetic susceptibility (ie. BRCA1/2, PALB2, and other carriers), women with strong family history or abnormal breast biopsies, or those who are at high-risk due to other factors. For these high-risk populations, significant gaps in knowledge exist on how to optimally lower risk while minimizing impact on one’s psychosocial and physical well-being. Her research program seeks to address these issues by comprehensively characterizing the cancers that develop in different subgroups of high-risk women and evaluate ways to optimize decision making around preventive options.