pAtRiCiA BRALY, MD
Sophisticated Woman | October 2010
Photograph By Steve Randon
enterprising woman І
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Gynecologic Oncologist/Robotic Surgeon Opens Women’s Cancer Care On The Northshore Patricia Braly, MD DR. PATRICIA BRALY is a nationally recognized expert in the area of women’s cancer. During her thirty year career, she has distinguished herself as an academic physician, as a gifted surgeon and over the past few years as a robotic surgeon. This all culminated in her induction last year into the prestigious Society of Pelvic Surgeons, a group of 125 of the top surgeons of this type in the world. However, when one initially meets Dr. Braly, they are not overwhelmed by these credentials, but rather, struck by her pleasant demeanor and confident style which quickly puts one at ease even in the most dire of circumstances. To the benefit of Northshore patients who need her care, Dr. Braly recently decided to open her own practice here. Women’s Cancer Care in Covington, nestled among magnificent trees and a serene landscape, has a very welcoming appeal. When visitors are greeted by the unique life-sized wooden horse on the office porch there is recognition that this is not the traditional stark medical office to which they have grown accustomed. Whether it be the seasonal decorations adorning her wooden horse or the equestrian motif throughout the building, one is impressed by the tranquil and soothing feel which emanates from her office. As you step through the door, it is apparent that every detail is designed to put patients at ease at a time when they may be facing challenging times. “My goal in opening this practice is to be able to individualize our approach to patients. We address a woman’s fear and anxiety as we assist her with so much more than just the medical issues,” she says. As a specialist in Gynecologic Oncology (“G-Y-N Oncology”) Dr. Braly is among a small group of specialists who care for women with cancers of the uterus, ovaries and cervix. Gyn Oncologists are doctors who train in the specialty of Ob Gyn and therefore are both surgeons who operate on the patient and also clinicians who prescribe and give chemotherapy. Three additional years of training are required after Ob Gyn residency to become a Gynecologic Oncologist. In addition to her training, Dr. Braly spent 20 years as a professor. Her years as a professor include Chief of Gyn Oncology at City of Hope, the University of California San Diego and LSU Health Sciences in New Orleans. She also was on the Board of Gyn Oncology–a position held by only five individuals in the country at a given time. Now, as the only Gyn Oncologist on the Northshore she plans to continue her academic style while combining an empathetic consideration of a patient’s needs to the delivery of care.