Excellence in care times three: Dr. Clara Marie Higgins

In 2013, a mammography and a stereotactic biopsy revealed I had breast cancer in my right breast. While this was not the diagnosis I had hoped for, my family and my physician recommended Dr. Clara Marie Higgins as a breast surgeon, which turned out to be the best news of all.

After performing the stereotactic biopsy, Dr. Higgins promptly scheduled the surgery for a lumpectomy and lymph node removal. The operation took place in just a couple of days, leaving me little time to worry. Her post surgery follow-up prescribed radiation treatments at Beebe’s Tunnell Cancer Center, which I completed with the able assistance of the center radiologists.

I was not expecting to need Dr. Higgins' excellent skills again. However, in 2014 after a mammography and the ensuing stereotactic biopsy revealed I had breast cancer in my left breast, I again found myself on Dr. Higgins' office doorstep. Having been treated by Dr. Higgins before, I knew I was in good hands.

This gave me a welcomed sense of confidence in the procedure. She performed the lumpectomy and prescribed radiation therapy, during which I felt as if I were a veteran (and friend) of the caring and compassionate Tunnell Cancer Center staff.

Fast forward to 2015. I was very ill from gall bladder problems. My medical oncologist contacted Dr. Higgins for a third time to perform surgery, this time to remove my gall bladder. By now I was certain I had gained frequent flyer miles. She operated within a day to remove the gall bladder, thus freeing me from the incredibly painful symptoms.

I am forever grateful for the excellent surgical skills of Dr. Clara Marie Higgins. It was with great gratitude that I made a donation to the Beebe Medical Foundation’s Celebrate Excellent Care program in her honor. She is always cheerful and has a friendly bedside manner. She exudes confidence. Not only are her personal skills delightful, but her surgical skills left me with very small, well-hidden scars and good health. Thanks, Dr. Higgins. I might add that in the future I would hope to see Dr. Higgins on a strictly social basis. Thanks Beebe Healthcare!

If you would like to learn more about the Beebe Medical Foundation’s “Celebrate Excellent Care” program, call 302-644-2900 or go to beebefoundation.org. Your gift and your thanks make a true difference and help save and change lives every day at Beebe Healthcare, your not-for-profit healthcare system.