1054. She Did Not Choose Her Surgical Specialty … It Chose Her

“In my fourth year of med school at the University of Connecticut, I applied for residency. I got into Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. That was a 5-year training process where they have you rotate on many, many different surgical sub-specialties, and then you choose one. I did my breast cancer surgery in my second year. I never thought I wanted to do breast cancer surgery. It wasn’t even on my radar. I had done all my research on cardiothoracic surgery! I walked into breast cancer surgery and it was something very special. I sat down and the patients starting talking to me. And I started to talk to them. They confided in me. Breast cancer surgery sort of chose me, you know? And that was it. It was a done deal.”

Dr. Rachel Wellner was drawn to medicine at a young age, inspired by her father’s work in the medical field. In college, she pursued international mission trips, and this passion for service and health care is reflected throughout her illustrious career. From founding several international medical programs, to providing free breast cancer screenings and services to the underserved and uninsured, Dr. Wellner truly embodies the values of her oath. She is also the acclaimed author of the Dr. Roo children’s series, where Dr. Roo the Kangaroo and her group of friends teach children the importance of staying healthy.