Every year Hour Detroit publishes a list of the Top Doctors in metro Detroit. This year’s list contains more than 1000 physicians in 94 specialties — all nominated by their peers. With so many doctors at our fingertips we’d be remiss not to share some of their insights with you. Below is one of the eight interviews with a 2025 Top Doctor.
More Hour Detroit Top Doc Profiles
Yusuke Terasaki, M.D. on Heart Health
Megan Pesch, M.D. on Pediatric Viruses
Dana Zakalik, M.D. on Gene Editing
Jeffrey Zonder, M.D. on Myeloma and Amyloidosis
Monique Swain, M.D. on Fertility Preservation for Breast Cancer Patients
Mohammed Najeeb Al Hallak, M.D. on Pancreatic Cancer Treatments
Christina Shanti, M.D. on How to Support Your Child Undergoing Surgery
What is something you wish more people understood about your profession?
There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation around screening mammograms — and it matters. Early detection through regular mammograms is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against breast cancer. When caught early, the disease is often smaller, confined, and more treatable with less-aggressive care. That means more options, less-invasive treatment, and a better chance at preserving quality of life. Mammograms aren’t just routine — they’re lifesaving.
What recent innovations in your field are you most excited about, and why?
Improved access to and understanding of genetics is transforming breast cancer care. Genetic testing enables more personalized treatment through targeted therapies and helps identify individuals at higher risk — allowing for proactive steps like early screening and risk-reducing strategies. By integrating genetic insights into a broader public health approach, we can empower women with elevated risk to take control of their health through informed decisions, lifestyle counseling, and early-detection options that reduce fear and improve outcomes.
What is the most rewarding part of patient care?
Supporting patients through one of the most difficult moments in their lives is deeply rewarding. This is a time filled with fear and vulnerability, which is why I focus on understanding each of my patients — their goals, values, and concerns. Through shared decision-making, I provide care that treats the whole person — physically and emotionally.
Can you explain what a nipple-sparing mastectomy is for someone who isn’t familiar with the concept? Which candidates are most eligible for this surgery, and which are not?
A nipple-sparing mastectomy is an operation that removes the breast tissue while preserving the skin, nipple, and areola. It’s typically an option for early-stage breast cancer or high-risk individuals (e.g., BRCA mutation carriers), depending on tumor size, location, and breast anatomy. A nipple-sparing mastectomy is not recommended when the cancer is near the nipple and is most successful for women with breast cup size A-D, when the position of the nipple hasn’t fallen below the inframammary fold. In my practice, I aim to reduce the emotional impact of surgery by preserving a natural appearance, and a nipple-sparing mastectomy can support that goal.
This story originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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