GUEST COMMENTARY RANDY A. BIRKEN, M.D. Gynecology and Urogynecology Board Certified Gynecologist and Surgeon

The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Breast Team
May 2001

The look of fear and anguish is easily detected in the eyes of patients who have felt a breast lump or are experiencing breast pain.

No matter what the physical findings may be, a patient will continue to worry until reassurance can be given by appropriate radiological testing. Fortunately, for many physicians, and especially for my patients, a facility is available that combines the latest mammography and ultrasound technology with the empathy of personnel that genuinely provide compassionate and conscientious care.

For those patients who have a cancerous condition, timing is paramount to successful treatment … the earlier the detection, the better the cure. I know that my patients who are referred to the multidisciplinary Breast Center will be evaluated thoroughly, and that a breast biopsy, if necessary, can be done in the center by one of the mammography experts.

However, it is essential that the biopsy material be microscopically examined by the most modern techniques and by a pathologist who is well trained in the pathologic interpretation of breast tissue.

While breast cancer remains a common cancer among women, it gives me great satisfaction knowing that my patients will be properly screened, tested and diagnosed by the team of experts at our Breast Center.


About Dr. Birken
Randy A. Birken, M.D., received his undergraduate degree in biology, cum laude, from Adelphi University in 1972 and his medical degree from Boston University in 1976.

He completed his specialty training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine and served as chief resident at Jefferson Davis Hospital and Ben Taub General Hospital, both in Houston, Texas. In 1989, Dr. Birken completed a preceptorship in Urogynecology at the University of California, Irvine, Cal.

He has been in private practice in the Northwest Houston FM1960 area since 1980 and has also served as a clinical instructor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Dr. Birken's publications include Archives of Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, OB-GYN News, and the Journal of Graduate Liberal Studies. He has given many presentations on urinary incontinence and hormone replacement therapy, and has been a guest lecturer for the Tulsa Obstetrics and Gynecology Society.

Visit Dr. Birken on his Web site at http://www.gynfo.com/


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