SHAWNA C. WILLEY

Shawna C. Willey, MD, FACS, was named the Peterson Chair of Breast Cancer Research at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, Virginia in 2019. She is a Professor of Medical Education at the University of Virginia and serves as the Director of the Breast Fellowship Program at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Prior to coming to Inova, she served as the Chief of the Department of Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, President of the Medical Staff and Director of MedStar’s Regional Breast Health Program. She is a former President and Chairman of the Board of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. A native of Iowa, she received her MD from the University of Iowa and completed her residency in surgery at the George Washington University Medical Center.

Dr. Willey has a particular interest in the surgical management and surveillance of patients who are gene mutation carriers, especially those who undergo prophylactic mastectomy. She is a pioneer in the field of nipple-sparing mastectomy and has authored many publications and is co-editor of Operative Approaches to Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy. Dr. Willey has co-chaired four BC3 conferences (Breast Cancer Coordinated Care) that address local and regional control of breast cancer. In addition, she co-edited the second and third editions of Surgery of the Breast.

Dr. Willey has spent her entire career in the Washington, DC, area, mentoring multiple students, residents and breast surgery fellows. Dr. Willey is recognized nationally and internationally for her leadership and expertise. She is the recipient of the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine Distinguished Alumna Award for Service and was awarded the Inaugural Scott L. Spear, MD Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2020.