Award: Physician — Radiologist
Dr. John Plemmons, medical director for the McLeskey Comprehensive Breast Center at the Sentara Brock Cancer Center, promotes early detection through screenings and advocated for the introduction of 3D mammography to Hampton Roads.
Plemmons had educated providers, administrators and patients on the benefits of 3D mammography, or tomosynthesis, in breast screening, according to the nomination. He routinely speaks at community outreach events and supports screening events for uninsured patients with time and expertise.
The board-certified breast radiologist with Medical Center Radiologists also helps to prepare the next generation of radiologists by overseeing the Eastern Virginia Medical School breast imaging fellowship. Many under his guidance have chosen to practice in the region.
In 2021, Plemmons co-led a multidisciplinary team to design the Sentara High Risk Breast Program, based on national best practices, which is helping women make informed, preventive decisions about their long-term health, according to the nomination. This year, he is leading a peer review of National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers guideline changes that will enhance care for breast cancer patients.
Plemmons shared his career insights with Inside Business.
Why do you do what you do? I have the best job in the world. Every day I get to work with smart and caring people who are focused on preventing, detecting, treating and, hopefully, curing this disease that affects so many of us. Nearly every day brings unique challenges, but the job satisfaction and sense of doing important work is immeasurable.
What keeps you motivated? The people, always the people — the patients, the techs, the resident physicians and fellows and my colleagues.
How do you cope with challenges? Experience (aka old age) has helped me learn patience but also know when to elevate concerns and engage those who have the ability to make things better. Sometimes we just have to remind each other that the patients are worth the effort.
What are you most proud of? My work with the resident physicians is probably the thing I value the most. I have had the pleasure of training doctors who go on to become so good at what they do. I have benefited from EVMS in so many ways, and giving back to the students, resident physicians and the school is what I am most proud of.
How do you measure success? Success is measured, truthfully, one patient at a time. A good catch on the mammogram, a safe and comfortable biopsy, stage 1 disease which is removed with clear margins — that is the best feeling in the world.
What lessons have you learned? I have learned that education and access are the keys to fighting this disease. The best technology and imaging systems in the world mean nothing if a patient does not know she needs to be screened or cannot afford to pay for the care. We have to find better ways of educating our primary care providers and the general public about the importance of knowing your family history and your risk factors for breast cancer and getting screened when it is appropriate for you to do so. We see patients who understand the importance of screening every day. Who we do not see are those patients at home or at work who are young and at a high risk for breast cancer but not aware that there are screening programs to help catch their cancer at the earliest possible point or those who simply do not have the resources to access that care.
Any advice for those pursuing a health care specialty? No matter what field of health care you pursue, a culture of lifelong learning will be the key to your success and happiness.
