Karen Hendershott, MD, FACS
Breast Surgical Oncologist
My specialties:
- Cancer (surgical oncology)
Professional interests:
- Breast cancer
- Mastectomies
- Lumpectomies
- Oncoplastic surgery
- Goldilocks mastectomy
- Sentinel node biopsy
- Axillary node dissection
- Benign breast disease
- Genetic and high risk breast cancer patients
Practice philosophy: Clear communication, outstanding outcomes.
What are you passionate about and why? As a breast cancer survivor, I know too well how it feels to receive a new diagnosis. I will work with you to form a treatment plan that helps you navigate, survive and thrive and will coordinate care for you and the team.
If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be? High school coach.
Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? After graduating from college, a family member was badly injured in a car accident. I took the lead in managing the information and walking everyone through the decision making. I found my calling.
What is something you have learned from your patients? We can all do hard things. It's not the doing, but the fear of the unknown that is the hardest to handle.
What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? I love explaining information so patients can understand. The more you know, the better you can participate in your care. Cancer care is a team sport and the most important member is you!
What is your personal health goal? Long term survival!
What is the best thing you've done for your health or the best health advice you've received? My best health decision was taking the time to handpick my team when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. With a team I trusted, I could focus on my job as a patient.
What are you most proud of? My son. He was young at the time of my diagnosis and we both had to go through this experience. Despite the challenges, he has become an outstanding young man and is now in college at the University of Arizona.
What are a few of your personal achievements? Proud mama bear, accomplished collegiate athlete (soccer).
Credentials
- MD
- FACS
Board-certified specialties
- Cancer (surgical oncology)
Awards and recognitions
- Tucson "Top Doc" 2023-2024
- Southern Jersey Top Female Doc 2014
- Southern Jersey Top Doc 2013
- Golden Apple Teaching Award 2013
Educational institutions
- Amherst College
Memberships
- American College of Surgeons (ACS)
- American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS)
Internships
- University of Arizona
Residencies
- University of Arizona
Fellowships
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Maimonides Medical Center
Years of experience
- 24
Hospital affiliations
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital
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Major health plans we participate in
- Allina Health | Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- HealthPartners
- Medica
- PreferredOne
- SelectCare/LaborCare
- UCare
- UnitedHealthcare
Other health plans we participate in
- Medicaid/Medicare
- Aetna
- America's PPO
- First Health/Coventry
- CIGNA
- Humana
- Hennepin Health (formerly Metropolitan Health Plan)
- PrimeWest
- South Country Health Alliance
- United Behavioral Health
- Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS)