Gillian Kuehner, MD
“After we get research results, it’s immensely gratifying to see how its implementation makes a huge difference for our patients and their families, as well as in our providers’ confidence in their patients’ care.”
Gillian Kuehner, MD, says her most important research project was her first: a study on the management of rare and difficult-to-diagnose tumors called papillary lesions. Partnering with the KP Northern California Division of Research, she presented findings at a large breast cancer conference and published the results in Annals of Surgical Oncology.
“That was my favorite paper, because it really got us off to a running start,” says Dr. Kuehner, who will retire with more than a quarter-century as a breast surgeon at KP Napa-Solano. “In the past we would excise all papillomas, and now we can monitor most lesions and reassure patients that it’s fine to leave them as is.”
Dr. Kuehner and colleagues have published 13 peer reviewed journal articles since 2018, in research areas that have directly led to dramatic improvements in breast cancer management, treatment, and surgery at KP and beyond.
“Her legacy is that we have a much more patient-centered breast cancer program, and we have a group that is continually engaged in improvement,” says Betty J. Suh-Burgmann, MD, chair of TPMG’s Central Research Committee.
Research led by Dr. Kuehner showed that same-day discharge after mastectomy is safe and preferable for patients; breast surgeons can use ultrasound to accurately localize breast lesions, sparing patients from additional presurgical procedures; breast surgery patients do better with postoperative opioid-free pain management; and telehealth was effective during COVID for managing breast cancer and general surgery patients.
In addition, Dr. Kuehner’s research showed the importance of annual mammograms to detect secondary cancers after diagnoses of ductal carcinoma in situ, expanded opportunities for breast cancer patients to participate in surgical clinical trials, and helped decrease re-excision rates after lumpectomy.
“She’s consolidated breast cancer care into an evidence-based, single point of care,” says Christopher Walker, MD, physician-in-chief of KP Napa-Solano. “Women not only feel comfortable and connected with the team that’s taking care of them but also have a path going forward that’s influenced by the best models of care and research.”