Claire L. Buchanan, MD, FACS

What is your approach to care and treatment?

Cancer is a frightening diagnosis to anyone, but for many breast cancer patients, it can come as quite a shock. My patients are usually healthy women and often do not feel “sick.” For many in this situation, the prospect of cancer treatments is overwhelming and is quite a disconnect from how they actually feel. My goal is to educate them about their options and meet them where they are.

Why should a patient trust Fred Hutch for breast cancer care?

This specialty has always been collaborative and multidisciplinary. Patients can expect that we work in a coordinated fashion to craft a personalized treatment plan. For each patient, I do my best to assess the situation from both a clinical or medical perspective and from a patient’s perspective. I want to include the patient's views and understanding as much as possible and for them to share guidance when needed.

I also like to make connections. I always like to play DJ for patients in the OR; patients can choose an artist or song and have some control at a time where they often have little. I remember asking an elderly patient what she would like to go to sleep to, and she said, "I want reggae! I wanna be the cool old lady!" It was a delight for all of us in the room that day.

Provider Background

Specialty: Surgery

Area of clinical practice

Breast cancers, breast health

Surgery

I like the educational aspect of my chosen surgical subspecialty. I enjoy educating patients about their disease process, surgical options and sequence of care. I have always appreciated the collaborative nature of treatment of this disease and constantly learning and improving.