University Surgical Associates is excited to announce that Beth Snell, MD, FACS, fellowship trained surgical oncologist, has joined USA Breast Services. She brings more than 15 years of experience in breast surgery to the Chattanooga region.
When Dr. Snell was only 10 years old, her father became very sick with bleeding ulcers and ultimately had emergency surgery that saved his life. That’s when her interest in medicine began. During high school, she realized her aptitude for math and science, and she naturally followed that track throughout her undergraduate education.
“During my medical school rotations, I was immediately drawn to surgery. I very much equated the work of surgeons to that of electricians and plumbers – there’s a problem and we work to fix it,” Dr. Snell explains. “One of my favorite things about breast surgery is the ability to help women with a big problem, but then I also get to continue caring for them and ensuring they stay well over the long term.”
After fellowship training in surgical oncology, Dr. Snell worked for five years in a busy surgical practice and provided expert care of many types of cancer. She wanted to specialize further in breast surgery and chose to move to a private hospital in St. Louis, where she developed a program that grew from treating 80 cancers a year to nearly 400.
“I found my home in breast surgery,” says Dr. Snell. “It’s a place where I can advocate for women in the operating room and for women who need expert cancer care.”
In her practice, Dr. Snell is focused on bringing the most up-to-date approaches to the treatment of breast cancer, including the use of nipple sparing techniques, reverse arm mapping to reduce the risk of lymphedema, genetic testing when appropriate, and working with her patients to ensure they are optimally prepared for life after surgery.
She is excited about the opportunity to collaborate closely with her colleagues at USA and contribute to advancing women’s health care in the Chattanooga region.
“I believe in multidisciplinary care – meaning we are all working together as surgeons, oncologists, geneticists, nutritionists, support staff – to help women understand their options and choose the very best path forward through their cancer and beyond,” Dr. Snell says. “It’s always been my policy and my personality to tell my patients the truth – and I believe there are many women that really appreciate that approach. It’s my privilege to provide the compassion and care they need in a difficult time.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Snell or any member of USA Breast Services, call 423.267.0466.
Dr. Snell earned a medical degree from the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY where she also completed an internship and residency in general surgery. She then completed a fellowship in surgical oncology from the University of Miami in Miami, FL. Dr. Snell is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Breast Surgeons.
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