Sept./Oct. | 2009
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Power in Numbers
How one physician uses group sessions to educate patients

Power in NumbersPlastic surgeon Amy Alderman, M.D., M.P.H., has developed a popular women-only program in which she and her team see patients pre-operatively in a group visit. Women considering breast reduction surgery have a lot of questions, some of which they’re too shy to ask. But plastic surgeon Amy Alderman, M.D., M.P.H., has developed a popular women-only program in which she and her team see patients pre-operatively in a group visit.

Instead of giving the same information repeatedly to eight or more patients in a clinic day, Alderman does it all at once – after her patients watch an educational video and have their individual private examinations. The patients learn from each other’s questions.

“As a health care provider,” Alderman says, “I can give them much more information in this group setting. There’s more time. There’s less chance of forgetting something because I’m not repeating so much. The information is fresher. And the patients’ questions are the real benefit. They think of everything – and a lot of things I wouldn’t have thought of.”

In this way, every patient‘s concerns are addressed. Even if a patient doesn’t want to ask the question herself, someone at the meeting is bound to ask it. “Everything is covered in a relaxed atmosphere,” says Alderman.

Amy Alderman, M.D., M.P.H.Amy Alderman, M.D., M.P.H.Patients are encouraged to bring along a female support person. Patient Carrie Bohnwagner brought a good friend who also had breast reduction surgery. Bohnwagner’s friend was so impressed with the way things were handled that whenever a mutual friend is considering the surgery, she tells them, “You should go to Carrie’s doctor, not mine.” Bohnwagner adds, “Throughout the whole process, I felt taken care of – and loved.”

Patients of all ages participate. Alderman says there is usually at least one patient who is around 17 years old. She says, “An added benefit of this group meeting is that the older women help give the younger ones a perspective on what it is like to go for decades without the surgery.”

Patient Tiffany Mosley says, “The program was very well thought-out. And if you’re considering this type of surgery, my advice is: Go. You’ll feel great.”
 
Alderman, assistant professor, Department of Surgery, and director, Cosmetic Surgery Center, has been conducting the group meetings for almost five years. She hopes to develop a similar program for patients seeking breast cancer reconstructive surgery and patients contemplating surgery after extreme weight loss.

Written by Cathy Mellett

I was a member of this group and Dr Alderman was my surgeon. This group experience was so very positive, and allowed me to ask questions, and quell my fears. She is so positive and helpful, and a wonderful surgeon. I went to another hospital before this, and felt very insecure about the whole process. When I came to Dr Alderman, I know this surgery would work for me. ~ Angie Noble

This is an excellent method to provide enormous amount information effectively. This limited time with our patients and not getting them the information creates anxiety. In spending time in a group session provides the answer/awareness that is needed to move to the next step. Kudos to Dr. Amy Alderman ~Nicole

Dr Alderman is a great surgeon and a even greater person. I had a breast reduction by her in 2006, this was the first surgery that I had ever had and she was very patient and understanding of that. All the information that I would need was given to me in a non overwhelming manner and with true concern. I am very pleased with my outcome and tell everyone I know about what a good surgeon she is and how having the surgery was one of the best decision I have made. ~ Katrice Yarrington

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