Our Team
Women concerned about breast cancer can undergo evaluation by our team of breast cancer specialists. The High Risk Breast Cancer Center (HRBCC) is staffed by:
- A nurse practitioner with specialized training in women’s health and diseases of the breast
- A certified genetic counselor with experience in genetic risk assessment and testing for inherited cancer risks
- Two breast cancer navigators available to educate and support women dealing with breast cancer risks
The HRBCC’s medical director, Paula Termuhlen, MD, oversees the program’s operation and is available to provide medical support to women in the program.
Paula Termuhlen, M.D., Medical Director of The High Risk Breast Cancer Center
A 1989 graduate of Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Termuhlen performed her surgical residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She completed her fellowship in surgical oncology at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and is certified by the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. Termuhlen is the Program Director for Wright State University School of Medicine Department of Surgery where she is an Assistant Professor. Dr. Termuhlen is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. She is a member of the Society of Surgical Oncology, Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Medical Association, Ohio State Medical Association, and Montgomery County Medical Society.
Read an interview with Dr. Termuhlen.
Pam Kraft, Advanced Nurse Practitioner
Pam Kraft has been working at Miami Valley Hospital since 1990. She started as a Health Unit Coordinator, earned her BSN from Wright State University in 1996 and then her MSN from University of Cincinnati in 2007. She worked in the Emergency Room for over 8 years and has over 8 years experience in the women’s health field. Pam is a Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and is an active member of the association of Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health.
Amy McKenna, Breast Cancer Coordinator
Amy McKenna began working at MVH in 2002 on the Gynecology-Oncology unit where she provided postoperative care to breast cancer patients recovering from surgery. In 2006, she began working as the first breast cancer coordinator at MVH. Amy developed and currently co-teaches the preoperative breast cancer class for breast cancer patients. Amy received her BSN from Wright State University and is a certified breast health specialist.
Nancy Thoma, Breast Cancer Navigator
Nancy Thoma has been caring for breast cancer patients at MVH for over 30 years. She started her medical education in the Miami Valley Hospital Nursing program. After receiving her diploma, Nancy received her BSN at Miami University. She also is an oncology nurse, certified by the Oncology Nursing Society and Chemo Administration Certified. Nancy is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and trained as a nurse navigator.
Julie Sawyer, Genetic Counselor
Julie Sawyer is a board-certified genetic counselor specializing in the field of breast cancer genetics. She works with women who are concerned about their genetic risks for developing breast and ovarian cancer as the genetic counselor in the High Risk Breast Cancer Center at Miami Valley Hospital South.
Julie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Classics from the Ohio State University in 1989 and a Master’s degree in Medical Genetics from the University of Cincinnati in 2004. She is certified by the American Board of Genetic Counselors and is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.