M.D., F.A.C.S.
Surgical Oncologist and Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
University of Illinois College of Medicine, Rockford, IL
General Surgery -- York Hospital, Wellspan Health System, York, PA
Surgical Critical Care -- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Breast Surgical Oncology -- Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, MI
Surgical Critical Care and Surgery ? The American Board of Surgery
As an oncoplastic breast surgeon at City of Hope Chicago, Dr. Carolyn Bhakta performs complex surgical procedures. She joined City of Hope in January 2022 and cares for patients with breast malignancies, ranging from the earliest to advanced stages of disease. Dr. Bhakta's specialty combines traditional breast cancer surgery with cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery techniques.
Dr. Bhakta works closely with her patients to understand their cancer needs and goals to identify the most appropriate surgical options. By using the most advanced surgical treatment options, Dr. Bhakta guides patients' healing both physically and emotionally. “It's important to treat the whole patient. Ongoing advances in the treatment of breast cancer are offering physicians more options and providing patients greater hope,” shares Dr. Bhakta.
“I want my patients to have peace of mind knowing that I am their partner and guide throughout their entire cancer journey and beyond,” says Dr. Bhakta. “My goal is to make my patients feel comfortable with their treatment decisions. We focus on how we can improve their quality of life, obtain the most ideal recovery and get patients back to the activities that they love most.”
Dr. Bhakta completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychological and brain sciences at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. She then earned her medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, Illinois. Dr. Bhakta completed a residency in general surgery at York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, where she served as chief resident. She completed a fellowship in surgical critical care at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
She then went on to complete a research fellowship in breast cancer at the University of Michigan. It was during this time when Dr. Bhakta realized her passion for breast cancer treatment and decided to dedicate her life and focus her surgical specialty on cancer care. She then completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, Michigan, where she received advanced training in oncoplastic breast surgery and nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery.
Dr. Bhakta is double board-certified in surgical critical care and general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society of Surgical Oncology, American Society of Breast Surgeons and Association of Women Surgeons.
Outside of City of Hope, Dr. Bhakta enjoys spending time with her friends and family, including her husband and young son. She grew up ballet dancing in the Western suburbs of Chicago, and even danced in college, furthering her love of the arts.