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When Huntsman Cancer Institute at the opened its doors, Breanne Eddington, MPH, MS, PA-C, was among its first volunteers, immersing herself in the environment that would shape her future. Internships deepened her understanding of the field and her commitment to its challenges and rewards. During her time in school, she completed clinical rotations at the cancer hospital, further solidifying her bond with what she saw as a special place. Today, nearly a decade into her career as a physician assistant, she reflects on what it means to come full circle.
鈥淥ne of my most memorable days was when a family member told me that I made a negative time more personable and manageable for them,鈥 Breanne says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 moments like those that remind me why I chose this path.鈥
The most profound experiences often occur during end-of-life care. Breanne recalls sitting with a patient who was passing away without any family present. 鈥淚 sat with her all night,鈥 she remembers. 鈥淚n those quiet moments, I had time to reflect. It reassures me that I鈥檓 where I鈥檓 meant to be.鈥
Beyond the Medicine
Oncology is as much about emotional support as it is about medical expertise. Families often arrive overwhelmed and scared. 鈥淵ou put your own stuff aside and listen,鈥 Breanne explains. 鈥淐omforting them and being present is so much more than just the medical side of things.鈥 These special, often intimate moments underscore the beauty within the challenges.
The work isn鈥檛 easy. 鈥淥ncology is very difficult,鈥 Breanne admits. 鈥淏ut if you have a passion for something and give it your everything, it makes the rewards that much greater.鈥 For her, the beauty of the job often reveals itself during the toughest days. She finds joy in the simplest victories: a family member arriving in time, a patient breathing more easily, or pain coming to an end.
In addition to working with patients, Breanne finds one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is training new employees and passing on the values of compassion and excellence that have defined her journey. Whether working in in-patient medical oncology, neuro-oncology, or guiding transitions in end-of-life care, her focus remains on the human side of medicine.
Paying Tribute Through Work
When Joanne Barkley passed away from bladder cancer in July 1997, she left a profound legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration. Breanne was just 10 years old at the time and found her life forever changed by the loss. Today she honors her grandmother鈥檚 memory by striving to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families, much like one extraordinary physician did for her family nearly 30 years ago.
Cancer doesn鈥檛 discriminate, and in Joanne鈥檚 case, it arrived uninvited and unrelenting. The early stages of her care were marred by negative experiences at another facility. It wasn鈥檛 until she was referred to Saundra Buys, MD, that the family experienced a shift鈥攐ne rooted in genuine compassion and patient-centered care.
鈥淒r. Buys was the first person who truly cared about my grandma as a person,鈥 Breanne recalls. 鈥淪he told her to eat all the ice cream she wanted. That simple act of kindness had such a profound impact on my grandma and our family.鈥 For a young 人妻中出视频 witnessing the struggles of illness and the disparities in care, this interaction planted a seed. From that moment, Breanne made the decision to dedicate her life to oncology and improve the experiences of others.
Joanne鈥檚 memory continues to guide and inspire Breanne鈥檚 approach to care. 鈥淚鈥檇 love for her to see me as a compassionate person who genuinely cares about every patient,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 take a single day for granted. I hope she鈥檇 be proud that I turned a negative experience into a positive force for others.鈥
The advances in cancer treatment since Joanne鈥檚 time are remarkable. Back then, treatment options were limited. Today, there is a much larger team of oncologists and researchers, and Huntsman Cancer Institute has grown exponentially. Despite this growth, one constant remains: the commitment to patient-centered care exemplified by Dr. Buys.
Learning from a Legend
Dr. Buys holds a special place in this journey. 鈥淪he listened. She didn鈥檛 push us aside, even though my grandma鈥檚 cancer was so far along. She comforted my grandfather and took time to make sure we all felt heard,鈥 Breanne recalls. Years later, the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Buys felt surreal. 鈥淪he鈥檚 someone I鈥檝e always looked up to鈥攁 phenomenal human being and provider. It鈥檚 an honor to learn from her.鈥
Reflecting on her best day at work, Breanne recalls seeing Dr. Buys and feeling it was the right moment to share her story. 鈥淢ost people don鈥檛 know my background,鈥 she says. 鈥淚 wanted to express my appreciation for the opportunity I鈥檝e been given.鈥
Today, Dr. Buys continues to guide the next generation, joining in-patient rounds where Breanne formulates tailored care plans for each patient. 鈥淭he opportunity to collaborate with her reinforces everything I strive to be as a provider,鈥 she says.
Finding Joy Amid the Challenges
The ups and downs of a career in oncology have shaped Breanne into the provider she is today. 鈥淓ach experience has contributed to my growth,鈥 she reflects. 鈥淭he toughest days show the true beauty of this work.鈥
Joanne Barkley鈥檚 laughter, zest for life, and willingness to explore new things live on through Breanne. Every interaction, every moment of compassion, is a tribute to Joanne鈥檚 memory and the values she embodied.
And through it all, Breanne鈥檚 purpose remains clear: to provide others with the same care and compassion that once transformed her own family鈥檚 experience.