Dr. Patti Power
Gynecologic Oncologist
Faculty of Medicine
Dr. Patti Power
During her oncology fellowship Dr. Patti Power developed research expertise in two areas. Her major research project was developing a national chemotherapy clinical trial for women with recurrent ovarian cancer. Disease recurrence within six to 12 months of initial treatment poses a difficult management problem since that cancer is likely resistant to standard chemotherapy protocols. The clinical trial Dr. Power is involved in is researching that challenging subset of women. Women are being recruited from 12 different cancer centers across the country and the trial is almost complete.
Dr. Power's other major research interest is related to pap smear screening. She has demonstrated that a particular uncommon pap smear report has a high association with precancerous cervical disease. The purpose of this trial was to optimize follow-up for patients with such reports on cervical screening to reduce the likelihood of developing a cervical cancer.
As one of fewer than 40 gynecologic oncologists in Canada, Dr. Power has a busy clinical practice but finds it a rewarding challenge to include research in her responsibilities.
One of the nice aspects of her clinical work is the close relationship she develops with patients and their families. "Gynecologic Oncologists are probably the only group of surgeons across the country that meet a woman on the first day of diagnosis, perform their surgery, administer chemotherapy and care for patients for the duration of their disease or remission. It's very satisfying to develop such long term relationships with patients and their families."
Dr. Patti Power (Class of 1997) entered medical school with a B.Sc. (Biology) and a M.Sc. (Medicine) from Memorial. After earning her MD she went on to train in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Memorial, completing her residency in 2002. She then began a fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Calgary for two years before returning to join the Faculty of Medicine.