James Edney, M.D., professor of surgery at the University of Nebraska
Medical Center, is listed as a leading breast cancer surgeon. Dr. Edney
is among 325 breast cancer specialists listed in a special 12-page pull-out
section called Medbook, which appears in the October 2001 issue of Redbook.
He is the only Nebraska physician on the list.
Redbook and Castle Connolly, which publishes Americas Top Doctors,
created the list, which was overseen by a group of physicians who surveyed
other physicians and health providers to identify exceptional specialists
in their areas. The list includes surgeons, plastic surgeons, radiologists
and pathologists. Selection criteria was based on specialists who are highly
revered by their peers, their education and experience.
The honor was a pleasant surprise to Dr. Edney. A major focus of Dr.
Edneys practice the last 20 years has been breast cancer. He developed
the Olson Comprehensive Breast Care Center, part of the Olson Center for
Womens Health at UNMC, in an effort to serve patients with a multi-disciplinary
team approach.
Of all the different types of cancer, breast cancer is very unique.
For the patient, there are a number of different ramifications, Dr. Edney
said. Not only do they have to deal with the possibility of death, common
to most cancers, but also the fear that they may be disfigured, unloved
or rejected.
What weve done here at UNMC through the Olson Center that is unique
is bring together a team of the health professionals involved in treatment,
communicate with each other on a regular basis and discuss the patients
condition before treatment, he said. When the patient comes to see us,
we try to minimize the most stressful time of their lives by arranging
for them to see all the health care providers they need, to formulate an
initial treatment plan in one week.
Dr. Edney has seen many changes in the treatment of breast cancer over
the years. The treatment of breast cancer has changed dramatically over
the last 15 years. Most individuals have more surgical options other than
mastectomy. The majority of patients we see now can preserve their breast
without adversely affecting their chance of survival.
According to information from Castle Connolly, about 40 percent to 50
percent of board-certified physicians in a given area are randomly selected
to receive anonymous and confidential nomination survey forms. The form
gives the physician an opportunity to nominate outstanding physicians in
various specialties and sub-specialties.
Criteria includes professional qualifications such as education, residency,
board certification, fellowships, professional reputation, hospital appointment,
medical school faculty appointment, experience and disciplinary history.
Also considered are interpersonal skills such communicating effectively,
demonstrating empathy, educating and informing, and instilling trust and
confidence.
In addition to nominations from practicing physicians, Castle Connolly
said it solicits nominations from hospital presidents and various leaders
in medicine, nursing and allied health fields. Finalists are selected by
a physician-led research staff which reviews and validates the nominations
then verifies credentials.
Ron Hollins, M.D., UNMC associate professor of surgery and plastic and
reconstructive surgeon, said Dr. Edney is a compassionate and caring surgeon.
Hes certainly a very fine breast surgeon, said Dr. Hollins, who has
known Dr. Edney for 20 years. He has an understanding of breast cancer
that exceeds most.
Dr. Edney earned his bachelors degree from Creighton University in
1971, then in 1975 earned his doctor of medicine degree at UNMC. From 1975
to 1980, he did a residency in general surgery at UNMC, then a one-year
fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Colorado in Denver.
He came to UNMC in 1981 as an assistant professor of surgery. In 1990,
he became an associate professor of surgery and in 2000, a professor of
surgery. He also has held courtesy associate professor of surgery and professor
of surgery in obstetrics and gynecology. Since 1991, he has been the director
of the residency program for the department of surgery.
Dr. Edney is a member of a variety of local and national associations,
as well as a number of UNMC and local hospital committees. He also serves
as a consultant to local hospitals. He has been honored with numerous awards,
including the 1995 UNMC Department of Surgery Residents Golden Apple Teaching
Award.
He is currently president of several surgical societies, including
the Southwestern Surgical Congress and the Western Trauma Association.
He has just begun a 10-year appointment on the Commission on Cancer of
the American College of Surgeons.