About Me
I am the Medical Director at The Center for Breast Health and Disease Management at the Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center, Northern Regional Director of Breast Services and Director of Breast Surgery for RWJBarnabas Health. I am also the leader of the woman’s oncologic health as part of the RWJBarnabas Women’s Health Program. I provide oversight and guidance through collective research and strategies of the system-wide group of breast surgeons at RWJBarnabs Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
A dedicated breast surgeon, my expertise is in complex breast malignancies and cares for patients with breast cancer and monitors women at high risk for the disease. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and graduated with my medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. I completed my internship and residency at The Stamford Hospital, and a fellowship with the Breast Service from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.
I am a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is certified by the American Board of Surgery. In addition, my various academic appointments include Clinical Instructor, New York Medical College and Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, Columbia University.
I have published several articles in professional publications, including The Lancet and The Journal of Trauma, and served on the Editorial Review Board for Women in Medicine Journal. I am a frequent guest on national and local media programs including Fox Five Television, WOR Radio, “60 Minutes”, CBS News, Good Day New York, More Magazine, and CBS’s Early Show, among others.
I have been honored by Castle Connolly’s “Best Doctors” lists for over 15 years. I recently was the Medical honoree for The American Cancer Society.
I am a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and affiliated with Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
Clinical Expertise
Breast Cancer
Ratings and Reviews
4.9 Overall
Based on 139 reviews
4.9
Provider discussed treatment options
4.9
Likelihood of recommending this provider
4.9
Provider explained things clearly
4.9
Provider showed concern
Insurance
Accepted Health Plan information is only as accurate as the most current information submitted. Prior to your appointment, it is advisable to verify with your insurance company they are still a participating plan prior to receiving services or care. Each plan is different and some provide different levels of coverage that could make a difference in your out-of-pocket costs. It is always best for the patient receiving care to contact their insurance company to obtain more information.
- Aetna
- Amerigroup
- Cigna
- Consumer Health Plan
- Horizon BCBS
- Horizon NJ Health
- Magnacare
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Oxford Health
- Qualcare HMO
- Qualcare PPO
- United Community
- United Healthcare
- United Medicare
- WellCare
Articles and Press
Dr. Blackwood was named a Top Doctor by New Jersey Monthly, as voted by fellow physicians. View the list here
The Importance of a Personalized, Team Approach for Managing Patients with Breast Cancer
“In the future, we want breast cancer to not be ‘hopefully’ cured, we want it to be definitely cured,” says Michele Blackwood, MD, FACS. By putting patients at the center, treating them in a team approach, personalizing treatment and leveraging the latest scientific advances, we believe we will be able to accomplish that. Learn more
Breast Cancer Screening: Understanding Risk and Age
The most effective screening tool for breast cancer is a mammogram, which uses low dose X-rays to create images of the breast. Fortunately, when breast cancer is detected early, it is easier and more successful to treat, which is why all women should learn about screening regardless of their age. Read more