160 North Midland Avenue
Nyack, New York  10960-1998
(845) 348-2000
www.nyackhospital.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              CONTACT:  Amy Massimo
Director, Public Affairs
DATE:  October 11, 2007                               PHONE: 845.348.2773

DEDICATED BREAST SURGEON M. MICHELE BLACKWOOD NAMED DIRECTOR OF BREAST AND WOMEN’S HEALTH PREVENTION SERVICES AT NYACK HOSPITAL

Nyack Hospital announces that nationally recognized Breast Surgeon M. Michele Blackwood, MD, has joined its Medical Staff, effective October 1. 

Known for her breast surgical expertise and for raising awareness of women’s breast health issues, Dr. Blackwood’s reputation, clinical expertise and dedication to the care of her patients will enhance the women’s health services already offered at Nyack Hospital.  As Director of Breast and Women’s Health Prevention Services at Nyack Hospital, Dr. Blackwood will work in collaboration with Lawrence Simon, M.D., Director, Department of Surgery and Michael Rader, M.D., Acting Director of the Cancer Center, leading the breast care program to the next levels of clinical excellence.

Most recently, Dr. Blackwood served as the Medical Director and Founder of the Connie Dwyer Breast Center and Deputy Chairman of the Department of Surgery at St. Michael’s Medical Center, Newark, NJ, as well.  During her tenure, she enhanced the Center’s profile as a regional breast care resource, resulting in notable clinical successes.  Previously, Dr. Blackwood held the positions of Medical Director of the Stamford Breast Center and Medical Director of The Blackwood Breast Center at the Tully Health Center in Stamford, CT.

Dr. Blackwood obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and graduated with her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina.  She completed her internship and residency at The Stamford Hospital, and a fellowship with the Breast Service of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer, New York.  She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and has been certified and re-certified by the American Board of Surgery.  In addition, her various academic appointments include Clinical Instructor, New York Medical College and Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, Columbia University.  Dr. Blackwood was recently named to the Women’s Association of NJPAC, whose mission is to promote, advocate and fund the News Jersey Performing Arts Center. 

Dr. Blackwood has appeared frequently as a physician expert on television and radio news programs, and has been extraordinarily involved in community health education and service.  She has authored a number of articles in various medical publications, has been honored and recognized for her clinical and philanthropic work in breast cancer, and is an active member in many national and regional medical and surgical societies.

“I am very excited to be joining a distinguished group of physicians in providing the best breast cancer care in the region, featuring state of the art technology and excellent surgical expertise.  Nyack Hospital’s strong presence in the field of breast cancer care provided close to home further enhances the depth of services to our community,” remarked Dr. Blackwood.

Nyack Hospital is a 375-bed community acute care medical and surgical hospital located in Rockland County, NY.  Founded in 1895, it is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System.