Danielle Bertoni, MD, MPH, is a breast surgeon at BASS Cancer Center who specializes in breast surgical oncology.

She has a reputation for using breast conservation techniques, performing nipple-sparing mastectomies and a wide range (and type) of breast biopsies and surgery for benign conditions, such as fibroadenomas and atypia, with successful cosmetic results. She also has expertise in management of the axilla and is passionate about reducing long term complications and focusing on survivorship.

Dr. Bertoni’s mother, grandmother, aunt and cousins have all had breast cancer, and that helped inspire her to become a breast surgeon. “I wanted to be in a field where I could help women get through this difficult time in their lives with as much comfort, reassurance and ease as possible. I wanted to be there to ‘hold their hand’ through the process,” she says.

Dr. Bertoni believes in making the patient the central focus of a team of doctors, nurses, social workers and other providers. Highly personalized care is important, she says, adding that she takes into account not only the patient’s diagnosis, but also their personal values and beliefs while guiding them through the process. “I take ownership of my patients,” she says. “This is a long-term relationship.”

Dr. Bertoni is passionate about providing the highest quality, most up to date and timely care to all of her patients. She supports participation in clinical trials if patients desire and will help patients with this. She is passionate about continuing to improve care and outcomes for patients with breast cancer. She is also an expert in caring for high risk patients with family history of breast and ovarian cancer and high risk breast lesions. She encourages all women to be proactive in talking with their doctor about any breast health questions or concerns. Annual mammograms are key, as are ultrasounds if the doctor recommends them, she says. Any woman who has multiple family members with breast or ovarian cancer should bring that history to their doctor’s attention, and ask how it might impact their personal risk or eligibility for genetic testing or special screening, she adds.