Breast Cancer Program Coordinator, University Medical Center
2007Susan Pappas-Varco is recognized as one of Minnesota’s leading experts in the field of patient care and breast cancer. Although a nurse since the early 1970’s, Susan’s first direct experience with breast cancer was when her 47 year-old sister, Mary Alice, was diagnosed with an advanced case of the disease 13 years ago. Susan became passionate about the impact of breast cancer on the lives of women and was inspired by many of the amazing women she met who were survivors. She started doing volunteer work for breast cancer organizations and in 1998 became the program coordinator for the University of Minnesota Medical Center breast cancer program. “This is a job I have loved: it is such a privilege to be part of a woman’s life at such a critical time. I continually learn from the woman that I have had the opportunity to work with.” Much of her work involves working with women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer and coordinating their medical care to make sure they are seeing the right person for their treatment. She also moderates two supports groups with Ann Cummins, LSW; one is a Young Women’s Survivor Group for women under 40. And she coordinates weekly breast cancer casework reviews for those professionals involved in a patient’s treatment plan.
In addition to a nursing degree from University of Minnesota at Mankato, Susan also has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology. The combination of nursing and psychology has provided invaluable skills in the work that she loves. Susan began her nursing career working as a staff nurse in New York City at Cornell Medical Center. After relocating back to Minnesota in 1975, she became a nursing manager/director at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. She currently does lots of public speaking engagements both as an educator and advocate for breast cancer and patient care. Her topics include "Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment", "Beyond Breast Cancer", "Am I At Risk?" She has given over 50 presentations to a variety of community groups, breast cancer survivors, and health professionals and has received several patient service awards from the University of Minnesota. Susan has been a member of the steering committee for the Twin Cities Race for the Cure for the last 10 years.
Susan remains passionately interested in breast cancer. “I am so interested in this disease, and I always want to know more. I am always pushing to make it better.” She believes that all of her patients will do well and come out stronger for the experience. Her optimism is contagious.
And finally, Susan is happy to report that today her sister, Mary Alice, is healthy and living a wonderful life.
