By Debby Rogers, Huntsman Cancer Institute

Saundra Buys, MD, medical oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) and a professor of medicine at the University of Utah was named by Forbes among the top breast cancer physicians in the country. Buys is one of only 27 in the nation to receive this recognition.

“Dr. Buys is a pioneer in the field of breast cancer research and care,” says Mary Beckerle, PhD, CEO and Director of HCI. “She is a national leader in cancer screening and genetics, particularly through her groundbreaking work that has advanced our understanding of breast cancers that run in families. This is a well-deserved honor for an extremely talented and compassionate physician-scientist.”

Buys has cared for cancer patients since 1982, and notes that the field is both challenging and gratifying. According to Buys, breast cancer patients are often very informed about their disease, allowing for a high degree of collaboration between the patient and the cancer care team. “Breast cancer was the first cancer for which specific targeted therapy was available, and the disease has led the field in identification of individuals who are genetically predisposed to cancer. This, along with a deepening understanding of the biology of breast cancer, has allowed for a great deal of personalized breast cancer care,” says Buys. “But while there have been major advances, much more work remains to be done, particularly in metastatic breast cancer which remains incurable.”

Buys received her medical degree from Tufts University and completed her internship and residency at the University of Utah.

Forbes’ list of top breast cancer physicians was generated in partnership with Grand Rounds. The list was developed using an algorithm that assessed physician quality data, among other factors.