Breast Surgical Oncology

Breast Surgical Services at Rutgers Cancer Institute provides the highest level of evidence-based, timely, comprehensive and compassionate surgical care for patients with breast problems, both benign and malignant. Our priority is to serve the community with professionalism and respect, valuing shared decision-making, respect for multicultural norms, family involvement, and patient autonomy. We encourage our patients to be active participants in their individualized care, stressing the importance of understanding their best options and outcomes.

Surgical technician looking at breast scans

Call 844-CANCERNJ (844-226-2376) to schedule an appointment.


Why Choose Us for Your Breast Cancer Care?

Fellowship-Trained, Multidisciplinary Cancer Experts

Led by a team of experienced fellowship-trained breast surgeons with sites throughout New Jersey, we maintain accreditation via the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (ACoS CoC), and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). We strive for high quality outcomes in cancer care via a multidisciplinary team approach, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, breast imaging, precision-medicine, plastics and reconstructive surgery, palliative care, navigation, nutrition, and more, who work together for tailored treatment plans and best outcomes, as well as long-term survivorship care. 

Experienced in All Types of Breast Disease

Service in the diagnosis, workup, management, and longitudinal followup of all Breast Disease, both benign and malignant. While most breast cancers are DCIS and invasive breast cancer, our fellowship-trained breast surgeons are also highly knowledgeable in the management of less common types of breast cancer, such as lobular, triple negative, Her-2 positive, Paget’s, and phyllodes. Our programs help quantify and manage risk for breast cancer due to family history, personal history, and/or genetic testing. We specialize in treatment in certain populations, such as breast cancer in the very young and very old, breast cancer during pregnancy, cancer associated with genetic mutations, and in men. We also counsel patients with benign breast problems, including pain, infection, and lactation issues.

Our team offers access to clinical trials for most disease types and stages, including Precision-Medicine and cutting-edge research, to ensure all options are considered. Furthermore, we have a strong commitment to training future leaders in our field, with over 15 years of experience with Breast Fellowship education, understanding that with breast-specific expertise, better outcomes are achieved.

Prioritizing Breast Preservation

We value breast preservation whenever possible, and our rate of successful breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy) exceeds national averages, often incorporating oncoplastic approaches for a better cosmetic outcome. Furthermore, we work closely with a team of plastics and reconstructive surgeons to provide the full gamut of reconstructive possibilities, including nipple-sparing mastectomy, DIEP flap reconstruction, contralateral symmetry procedures, and lymphovenous bypass for lymphedema management.

Explore all Cancer Surgical Services at Rutgers Cancer Institute →


Additional Resources


Meet Our Team

Our breast surgeons see patients in the New Brunswick and East Brunswick locations, as well as several other RWJBarnabas locations throughout New Jersey. We look forward to meeting you.

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Firas Eladoumikdachi, MD, FACS

Breast Surgical Oncologist

Associate Professor of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

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Maria Kowzun, MD, FACS

Director, Center for Breast Health and Disease Management, Clara Maass Medical Center

Surgical Oncologist

Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology and Section of Breast Surgery

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Shicha Kumar, MD, FACS

Surgical Oncologist

Associate Professor of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

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Lindsay Potdevin, MD

Surgical Oncologist

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Jonathan Smith, MD, FACS

Surgical Oncologist

Assistant Professor of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

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Elizabeth Berg, RN, MSN, APN-C

Advanced Practice Nurse


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