The COVID-19 global pandemic is an event that has made 2020 a year like no other. It can be hard to feel optimistic or reflect on the good with a year full of unprecedented change. “This past year has brought us many terrible hardships and caused us to pause and look at what we are doing and pray,” says Dr. Gary Arishita. “Hopefully, we will become better as we emerge from the challenges that hit us in 2020.”

And with that mindset, as 2020 comes to a close we want to take a moment to reflect on some of the positive this year did bring.

“Last year at this time when we were preparing for the holidays and welcoming in 2020, little did we know what laid ahead of us,” shared Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo. “This year, we have all been challenged in ways we never could have imagined. What we have experienced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of human fragility and a testament to our resilience. Even though I may not get to talk directly with all PRMA patients… I think about you, what you have all been through, and continue to face. Thank you all for being an incredibly important part of our world. I look forward to a much better 2021 and, as always, the PRMA team will be here to help you all move on positively with your lives!” 

Although we had to suspend surgery for a short while to help ease the burden on our health care system during the COVID-19 outbreak, we were still able to help rebuild many lives after breast cancer this year!  For 2020, we performed just under 700 total breast reconstruction procedures, with around 650 of them being flap based procedures.  It may not be a record-breaking year for total procedures performed, but we are truly blessed to have served so many patients!

“Reflecting on the year 2020 it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the pain all around us and become despondent. We all have been affected by the pandemic – our patients as well as our loved ones and friends,” states Dr. Chet Nastala. “But I’m equally impressed by the cooperation, determination, and persistence shown by so many to get us through this time. I’m so proud of our PRMA team, both it’s leadership and staff, for their personal sacrifices to make sure our patients had the best outcomes in 2020.  I’m also proud of our medical community leaders both locally and in vaccine development, who will help us end this difficult time.  But mostly, I am humbled by our patients, who have shown such courage to get through this time while continuing to travel for their treatment, even though the pandemic has made this very difficult. I’m so very grateful for their trust and giving us the privilege of their care.   They continue to be our inspiration that we’ll overcome this challenge together. Best wishes to all for the coming New Year!”

We did hit one major milestone in 2020! The completion of our 9000^th flap-based breast reconstruction procedure!  This accomplishment distinguishes PRMA as one of the busiest breast centers in the world and is a true testament to the hearts and dedication our team has to serving our patients.

This year also helped transform and expand how we can communicate with our patients.  Thanks to the approval of telemedicine visits by insurance providers, our team was able to safely begin surgery planning and follow up with our patients from across the nation.  We fully anticipate this transition to virtual healthcare to continue and look forward to offering virtual consultations to our patients in the coming year.

“We have worked through a year that was filled with unprecedented challenges. We experienced lots of firsts in figuring out how to handle new situations and made multiple adjustments along the way, but it was always reassuring to know that we could count on our team, regardless of what faced us,” shared PRMA’s Administrator Sharon when reflecting on this past year.  “Challenge and adversity have a way of teaching us who we really are. Storms hit our weaknesses, but yet they also unlocked our strengths!”  Dr. Ramon Garza also shares, “Stay hopeful and nurture relationships with those you love.”