Deanna J. Attai, MD, assistant clinical professor of surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, was named 2015-2016 president of the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) at the organization’s 16th annual meeting in Orlando in May.
Attai has also been in private practice in Burbank, Calif., for the past 19 years as a surgeon specializing in the care of patients with benign and malignant breast conditions.
Deanna J. Attai, MD
As the leading medical society focusing exclusively on the surgical treatment of breast disease, ASBrS is committed to enhancing the practice of breast surgery through advocating for surgeons who seek excellence in the care of breast patients.
In her new role, Attai will oversee the full range of the society’s activities meeting its mission of providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and promoting education, research, and the development of advanced surgical techniques. Programs include certification and accreditation in breast-related techniques and treatments, sponsorships of registries and clinical trials, and a highly regarded mastery program documenting a surgeon’s clinical performance of breast procedures and care of breast cancer and high-risk patients.
“I am extremely proud to take on this leadership position in the premier organization in the breast surgery field,” said Attai. “In my new role, I hope to enhance the society’s educational efforts through the annual meeting, as well as through digital outreach, including webinars and social media involving both physicians and patients. Another major focal point this year will be our patient Web site, which will be a unique resource geared towards building greater involvement of the community in breast health education and ASBrS activities.”
A member of the ASBrS since 2002, Attai has served previously as the society’s secretary, treasurer, and chair of the finance and communications committees. She graduated from Vassar College and was awarded a medical degree with honors from Georgetown University School of Medicine. She was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and completed her general surgery residency at Georgetown University Hospital.
Attai is certified by the American Board of Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, is certified by The American Society of Breast Surgeons for the performance of breast ultrasound, and is an ultrasound instructor for the American College of Surgeons.
She is a regular contributor to social media sites and is a co-moderator for #BCSM – Breast Cancer Social Media, a popular breast cancer support community based in Twitter. She currently resides in Burbank, where she is an avid organic vegetable gardener and an enthusiastic cook.
For more information, visit the American Society of Breast Surgeons.
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