Yale School of Medicine Professor of Surgical Oncology and breast cancer expert, Dr. Donald Lannin, performed his last surgery in early June. Although retired from the operating room, Dr. Lannin will continue to see follow-up patients in clinic and plans to maintain a relationship with the Department of Surgery as a mentor and educator— a passion that has motivated his surgical career of nearly 40 years.
Adored by fellows, residents, and patients alike for his warm and even-keeled temperament, Dr. Lannin was instrumental in developing the breast program at Yale. He served as Executive Director of the Yale Breast Center from 2002 to 2010 — a pivotal time, which led to the opening of the Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital in 2010.
“Don arrived at Yale focused on evidence-based practice in the complex changing world of breast cancer surgical care, and never lost sight of the individual who needed that care,” said Dr. Nina Horowitz, who has known Dr. Lannin since he joined the faculty in 2002.
“His work is a reminder to all of us that the surgical care experience is deeply personal and extends far beyond the operating room. You can’t manage an emotional diagnosis with your hands alone; it takes a lot of heart.”
You can’t manage an emotional diagnosis with your hands alone; it takes a lot of heart.
An advocate for personalized care, Dr. Lannin’s research focus has explored the variation in tumor types and treatment paths for breast cancer patients; particularly, the physical and emotional harm of overdiagnosis and over-treatment of small and slow-growing breast tumors, which was published in New England Journal of Medicine in 2017.
“Dr. Lannin’s integrity and thoughtfulness have anchored our program through many changes,” said Section Chief of Breast Surgery, Dr. Rachel Greenup, who assumed the leadership position earlier this year.
“This legacy of kindness across patient-centered clinical care and research will guide Yale Breast Surgery for years to come.”