Keeping with the spirit of its mission “to enhance access to quality healthcare where people live and work,” NYU Langone continues to grow its footprint of medical service providers in Suffolk County.
Melissa D. Fana, MD, a leading breast surgical oncologist, has joined NYU Langone Health as director of women’s health for Suffolk County and chief of service for breast surgery at Long Island Community Hospital, effective December 1. She sees patients at Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Long Island Breast Surgery Associates—Patchogue, 100 Hospital Road, suite 106.
“Dr. Fana brings not only surgical expertise, but remarkable dedication to our growing team of world-class surgeons in Suffolk County,” said Andrew Rubin, senior vice president for clinical affairs and ambulatory care at NYU Langone. “These attributes will be a tremendous asset as she develops a comprehensive women’s health program in Suffolk County over the next several years.”
Showcasing her intimate medical knowledge as well as regional connection are her prior positions held in the field. Before joining NYU Langone, Fana was director of breast services at Mather Hospital, in Port Jefferson, New York, and chief of breast surgery at South Shore Hospital, in Bay Shore, New York, where she oversaw quality initiatives. She also previously worked at Plainview Hospital, enhancing their breast surgical program, Brookhaven Hospital Memorial Medical Center, and Brookhaven Breast Health Services.
“NYU Langone already offers unrivaled local access to the best providers and treatment through its award-winning care network, and I’m committed to building upon our successes in my new role,” said Fana. “We will continue bridging cancer care, women’s health, and academic healthcare through a nationally recognized, top-quality institution in a way that hasn’t been done before in this region.”
“I always knew I wanted to go into surgery,” Fana reflected on her destined path to surgical oncology, “but I didn’t realize that I was going to go into this particular field until I had clinical experience.”
Fana takes great pride in her ability to empower women with information and treatment options. In regards to specializing in breast cancer management, it was a journey that would make her “satisfied as a physician and surgeon, but also an educator.”
“[My profession] has had a profound impact on my personal life choices in regards to everything,” Fana said. “I value my family connection more.”
With COVID causing a paradigm shift in how people prioritize their time, Fana has found her career and the time invested as “validated.”
Fana lauded the interdisciplinary approach as well as the vast resources at her disposal in the NYU Langone system. The healthcare available is designed to care for the whole person.
Speaking from her vast experience in the profession, she noted that “this is on another level.”
About Dr. Fana
Dr. Fana, who specializes in breast cancer management, creates personalized care plans using the latest treatment options and breast conservation surgical techniques to remove cancer and prevent remission.
After receiving an undergraduate degree from SUNY at Stony Brook University in 2000, Dr. Fana earned her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 2008. She completed her residency at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center at the Hofstra University School of Medicine where she was chief general surgery resident. She then went on to complete a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Beaumont Health System, Royal Oak, Michigan and Rose Cancer Resource Center.
Dr. Fana has published and presented on topics including breast conservation therapy for patients over the age of 80, surgical site infection reduction, and visualization for breast reconstructive surgery.
About NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone is a world-class, patient-centered, integrated academic medical center known for its excellence in clinical care, research, and education. Its growing health system has more than 320 locations throughout the New York area, with six inpatient locations, including NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, a 591-bed hospital and Level 1 Trauma Center located in Mineola, Long Island, and two outpatient care centers in Palm Beach County, Florida.
