Breast cancer is a life-changing diagnosis that affects almost 3,500 women in BC each year. Some of these women who undergo mastectomy also choose reconstruction surgery where studies show incredible benefits to a patient’s recovery and emotional well-being.  With the goal to improve patient care and expand access to treatment for breast cancer survivors, the UBC Hospital Breast Reconstruction Program established the Dr. Patricia Clugston Chair in Breast Reconstruction. The Chair is named in honour of Dr. Clugston, a plastic surgeon who devoted her life to helping women with breast cancer.

Thank you to all members from the UBC Division of Plastic Surgery whose commitment and cumulative donation of $400,000 helped complete our $5-million campaign for the Chair.

In an interview with Dr. Peter Lennox, Head of UBC Division of Plastic Surgery and Director of the Breast Reconstruction Program, he describes the impact and motivation behind the donation:

1. What inspired you to donate to this area?
   There were several issues that prompted our group to support this area.  The first is that it honours the vision and commitment of Dr. Patricia Clugston.  Dr. Clugston was a member of our group. She made significant contributions to breast reconstruction in BC and was passionate about this program. This Chair recognizes her vision and continues that support for breast reconstruction for women in BC. The other reason is that this area is one that our division has been at the forefront in developing in BC, and this Chair will continue that development and success.

2. Why do you feel it was so important to make this a joint donation?
   All members of our group have donated to this Chair, most on multiple occasions. This reflects the esteem in which Dr. Clugston continues to be held, as well as the perceived importance of the Chair.

3. What is the impact of this donation?
   The donation has obviously had a financial impact in helping meet the Chair goal earlier. In addition, it is important for other future donors to see that the plastic surgeons are committed to this project’s success, and willing to back up their commitment financially.

4. Why is the Chair in Breast Reconstruction Surgery so important to our hospital?
   The UBC Breast Reconstruction Program has been very successful in achieving many goals in terms of clinical activity and research. It is nationally recognized. The Chair will allow us to take this program to the next level with a much more concrete commitment to research and research output. It also means there will be an individual who has protected time for research as well as administration of the program, advocacy and collaboration with other centres of research and Chairs in Vancouver.

5. What are some of the latest advancements in breast reconstruction?
   These include:
   • DIEP microsurgical reconstruction: This has grown over the past few years under the guidance of Dr. Sheina Macadam.
   • SPY Tissue perfusion assessment: The Foundation was instrumental in the purchase of the first SPY machine in Western Canada.  This allows intraoperative assessment of flap vascularity and has allowed us to decrease complication rates in patients.
   • Acellular Dermal Matrices: Have allowed direct to implant reconstruction, avoiding a second procedure.
   • Nipple Sparing Mastectomies: Whenever possible, all of the breast skin is now left, including the nipple areolar complex.
   • Autologous Fat Grafting: Allows utilization of the patient’s own fat to improve the contour and soft tissue coverage following breast reconstruction.

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Breast cancer is a life-changing diagnosis that affects almost 3,500 women in BC each year. Some of these women who undergo mastectomy also choose reconstruction surgery where studies show incredible benefits to a patient’s recovery and emotional well-being.  With the goal to improve patient care and expand access to treatment for breast cancer survivors, the UBC Hospital Breast Reconstruction Program established the Dr. Patricia Clugston Chair in Breast Reconstruction. The Chair is named in honour of Dr. Clugston, a plastic surgeon who devoted her life to helping women with breast cancer.

Thank you to all members from the UBC Division of Plastic Surgery whose commitment and cumulative donation of $400,000 helped complete our $5-million campaign for the Chair.

In an interview with Dr. Peter Lennox, Head of UBC Division of Plastic Surgery and Director of the Breast Reconstruction Program, he describes the impact and motivation behind the donation:

1. What inspired you to donate to this area?
   There were several issues that prompted our group to support this area.  The first is that it honours the vision and commitment of Dr. Patricia Clugston.  Dr. Clugston was a member of our group. She made significant contributions to breast reconstruction in BC and was passionate about this program. This Chair recognizes her vision and continues that support for breast reconstruction for women in BC. The other reason is that this area is one that our division has been at the forefront in developing in BC, and this Chair will continue that development and success.

2. Why do you feel it was so important to make this a joint donation?
   All members of our group have donated to this Chair, most on multiple occasions. This reflects the esteem in which Dr. Clugston continues to be held, as well as the perceived importance of the Chair.

3. What is the impact of this donation?
   The donation has obviously had a financial impact in helping meet the Chair goal earlier. In addition, it is important for other future donors to see that the plastic surgeons are committed to this project’s success, and willing to back up their commitment financially.

4. Why is the Chair in Breast Reconstruction Surgery so important to our hospital?
   The UBC Breast Reconstruction Program has been very successful in achieving many goals in terms of clinical activity and research. It is nationally recognized. The Chair will allow us to take this program to the next level with a much more concrete commitment to research and research output. It also means there will be an individual who has protected time for research as well as administration of the program, advocacy and collaboration with other centres of research and Chairs in Vancouver.

5. What are some of the latest advancements in breast reconstruction?
   These include:
   • DIEP microsurgical reconstruction: This has grown over the past few years under the guidance of Dr. Sheina Macadam.
   • SPY Tissue perfusion assessment: The Foundation was instrumental in the purchase of the first SPY machine in Western Canada.  This allows intraoperative assessment of flap vascularity and has allowed us to decrease complication rates in patients.
   • Acellular Dermal Matrices: Have allowed direct to implant reconstruction, avoiding a second procedure.
   • Nipple Sparing Mastectomies: Whenever possible, all of the breast skin is now left, including the nipple areolar complex.
   • Autologous Fat Grafting: Allows utilization of the patient’s own fat to improve the contour and soft tissue coverage following breast reconstruction.