We Take Cancer Personally
Our mission is to see a world free of the devastating effects of BRCA-related cancers.
Innovative Research
By advancing genetics research, carriers of BRCA mutations can live longer, healthier lives. The Basser Center continues to establish a far-reaching network of scientists, geneticists, and physicians dedicated to successfully treating BRCA-related cancers, and preventing them altogether.
Education and Genetic Counseling
The Basser Center is a place where families can turn for education and genetic counseling. We are a leader in raising awareness, which is currently the most effective way to save lives and provide options to those affected by a BRCA mutation.
Generous Support
The Basser Center for BRCA was established at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center in 2012 by Penn alumni Mindy and Jon Gray, whose total giving to the center is $55 million. Their visionary gift grows stronger every day through the commitment of our generous donors and philanthropic partners.
Our Team
Led by Executive Director Susan Domchek, MD, the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is home to researchers, physicians and genetic counselors who are leaders in the field of hereditary cancers. Dedicated to eradicating BRCA-related cancers, the Basser Center builds upon the strengths of the Abramson Cancer Center’s formidable cancer genetics, vaccine research, and oncology programs.
Basser Center Leadership
- Susan Domchek, MD
Executive Director - Ronny Drapkin, MD, PhD
Director of Gynecologic Cancer Research - Roger Greenberg, MD, PhD
Director of Basic Science - Katherine L. Nathanson, MD
Director of Genetics - Beth Stearman, MPH
Administrative Director
Internal Advisory Board
- Chair
- Glen Gaulton, PhD
Vice Dean and Director, Center for Global Health - Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil
Director, Abramson Cancer Center - Lynn Schuchter, MD
Chief of Division of Hematology Oncology - Elizabeth Howell, MD, MPP
Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology
External Advisory Board
- Chair
- John Petrini, PhD
Chair of the Molecular Biology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Institute - Alan Ashworth, PhD
Director of UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center - Olivera J. Finn, PhD
Distinguished Professor at University of Pittsburgh, Departments of Immunology and Surgery - Judy Garber, MD, MPH
Director of Center for Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Andrew Godwin, PhD
Deputy Director of the University of Kansas Cancer Center - Allison Kurian, MD, MSc
Professor of Medicine and of Epidemiology and Population Health at Stanford University
Clinical Staff
- Angela Bradbury, MD
Medical Oncologist - Kara Maxwell, MD, PhD
Medical Oncologist - Vivek Narayan, MD, MS
Medical Oncologist - Kim Reiss-Binder, MD
Medical Oncologist - Payal Shah, MD
Medical Oncologist - Avi Anantharajah, MS, LCGC
Genetic Counselor - Jackie Cappadocia, MS, LCGC
Genetic Counselor - Dana Clark, MS, LCGC
Senior Genetic Counselor - Jessica Ebrahimzadeh, MS, LCGC
Genetic Counselor - Mosetta Harris, MSN, CRNP
Oncology Nurse Practitioner - Jessica Long, MS, LCGC
Genetic Counselor - Derek Mann, MS, LCGC
Genetic Counselor - Danielle McKenna, MS, LCGC
Genetic Counselor - Kimberly Molinari, CRNP, MSN
Oncology Nurse Practitioner - Jacquelyn Powers, MS, LCGC
Associate Director of Genetic Counseling - Kelsey Spielman, MS, LCGC
Genetic Counselor
Administrative Staff
- Jamie Brower
Research Project Manager - Rhonda Kitlas Gillette
Research Project Manager - Patricia Lafferty
Program Coordinator - Mary Hurley
Genetic Counseling Assistant - Veronica Rodriguez
Outreach Coordinator - Nichole Rossillio
Patient Services Coordinator - Pauleen Sanchez
Clinical Research Assistant - Heather Symecko
Associate Director of Clinical Research - Catherine Wolfe
Clinical Research Coordinator
Development Staff
- Carolyn Brown
Sr. Associate Director of Development & Community Engagement - Laura Rostock Ferraiolo
Senior Director of Development - Dorothy Mejia-Smith
Sr. Associate Director of Development & Communications - Karleigh Rose Pettit
Acting Director of Development - Brian Schwabenland
Development Program Specialist
Our Unwavering Mission
Even with the considerable and heartbreaking hurdles of the global pandemic, Basser persisted and propelled scientific discovery, BRCA awareness and access to genetic counseling and testing. Our 2020 progress report highlights the research, statistics and stories that guide us in our mission.