Chief, Breast Surgical Oncology, Memorial Cancer Institute

I am a breast surgical oncologist at Memorial Healthcare System where I serve as the chief of Breast Surgical Oncology at Memorial Cancer Institute.

I grew up in the Appalachian mountains of Virginia, where both of my parents worked as pharmacists. Watching my parents make a difference in patients’ lives motivated me to pursue a career in medicine. During my surgical education, I loved working with breast cancer patients. Twenty years later, I am just as passionate about the field as I was during training.

A breast cancer diagnosis can affect many areas of a woman’s life, and it also impacts her family and loved ones. I believe in being very straightforward and honest with my patients and empowering them through education about their disease and treatment options.

I am humbled by the confidence that patients entrust in me and inspired by their resilience and ability to find beauty through adversity. It truly is a privilege to take part in their breast cancer journeys.

Throughout my career, I have published and presented on various topics regarding breast cancer and treatment, and I have been involved in various local and national medical organizations. Prior to joining Memorial in 2015, I served as director of the Comprehensive Breast Care Center at the Markey Cancer Center/University of Kentucky.

Hospital Affiliations

• Memorial Hospital Miramar
• Memorial Hospital Pembroke
• Memorial Hospital West
• Memorial Regional Hospital

Gender

• Female

Residency

University Of Kentucky College Of Medicine, 2004, Surgery

Fellowships

Cleveland Clinic Hospital, 2005, Surgical Oncology

Certifications

American Board of Surgery-Surgery

Publications

• View Dr. Heather Wright's publications on PubMed

Research

• “Breast Cancer Services Project,” Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 2010, 2009

Professional Organizations

• American Society of Breast Surgeons
• American College of Surgeons
• Society of Surgical Oncology
• Kentucky Medical Association

Presentations

• “Breast Cancer: The Before and After,” Advance Practice Nursing/Regional Conference, 2013
• Rally for a Cure Golf Outing, Frankfort Country Club, Lexington, Kentucky, 2011
• Physician Advisory Group: Comprehensive Breast Care Center Improvements, 2011
• “Breast Cancer Basics,” Women It’s All About You Conference, University of Kentucky, 2011
• “Benign and Malignant Breast Disease: What You Need to Know,” 23rd Regional Conference Toward Excellence in Advance Practice Nursing/Regional Conference, 2011
• “Breast Cancer Update,” Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives, Northern Kentucky Convention Center, 2011
• “Ladies’ Night Out,” Rockcastle Regional Hospital, 2010
• “A Practical Guide to Breast Cancer,” Grand Rounds, OB-GYN Department, University of Kentucky, 2010
• “A Practical Guide to Breast Cancer,” CME, ARH Hazard, 2010
• Invited Plastic Surgery Lecture, University of Kentucky, 2010
• “Breast Cancer and Pregnancy,” UK Surgery Grand Rounds, 2009
• “Breast Cancer and Treatment,” Plastic Surgery Conference, 2009
• “A Practical Guide to Breast Cancer,” CME, Baptist Regional Hospital, 2009
• “The Diagnosis and Pathophysiology of Breast Cancer,” 2009

Awards

• Recognition of Excellence in Student and Resident Teaching, 2014, 2012
• Ward O’Griffin Surgery Teaching Award for Excellence in Medical Student Education, 2006
• Who’s Who in Higher Education