The doctor who initiated a grassroots effort to end the managed care practice of same-day breast cancer surgery, is the featured speaker at ceremonies marking Cancer Survivor Day at the University of Connecticut Health Center. Kristen A. Zarfos, M.D., of Deep River, an assistant professor of surgery in the UConn School of Medicine, will speak at ceremonies Sunday, June 6, at 1 p.m. at the Health Center.
Mastectomy is a traumatic procedure usually requiring post-surgery medical care.
Dr. Zarfos persuaded the legislature to approve legislation forcing insurance companies to pay for that care and normal post-surgical hospitalization. The measure has been introduced as federal legislation in Congress. National Cancer Survivors Day is a day celebrated each year nationwide to recognize the more than 8 million cancer survivors. Programs and celebrations focus attention on the issues of survivorship, and acknowledge those professionals dedicated to cancer treatment, research and support services. She is a highly skilled surgeon who brings experience and an acute awareness of the issues surrounding cancer to the Health Center.