Two Gynecologic Oncologists Join the Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center Team and West Michigan Cancer Network*

MercyHealth is pleased to announce two new gynecologic oncologists who have joined the Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center, where patient-centered care is provided by a multidisciplinary team of board-certified experts and state-of-the-art technology. Joining the Lacks team are Andrea Buras, MD, and Margaret Whicker, MD.

Gynecologic Oncologists Buras and Whicker will serve patients who are seeking a diagnosis, treatment, or a second opinion for a variety of cancers, including vaginal, vulvar, cervical, ovarian, and uterine or endometrial cancers.

Andrea Buras, MD, was born and raised in Michigan, which is one reason she is delighted to return after completing her gynecologic oncology fellowship at the University of South Florida and Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa. The second reason is because she is working for the professional cancer care team at Mercy Health.

“I was happy to return to Michigan because I am from the Detroit area and because I was able to join the oncology team at Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center. Mercy Health has a supportive team environment and a real heart for the community. The staff work together to provide the best care for patients. I feel at home here, personally and professionally,” said Buras.

Among her areas of clinical interest are hereditary cancer syndromes, cancers caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and complex abdominal and pelvic surgeries.

Buras recognizes the importance of prevention of disease and offers patients this advice: “The best care is prevention. Show up for your annual visits and communicate any changes in your health to your physician.”

Margaret “Meg” Whicker, MD, grew up in Maryland and completed her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. She is happy living in Michigan because she wants to be close to friends and family.

After considering other job offers, Whicker chose to work at Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center because of the patient-centered focus and team atmosphere.

“I felt drawn to Lacks Cancer Center because it is a tight-knit, motivated group of providers who are working together to create the best possible experience for patients. The team is solely focused on building a comforting and welcoming environment for people who are experiencing a stressful time in their lives.”

Whicker’s clinical interests include radical pelvic and abdominal surgery; cutting-edge chemotherapy and targeted therapy for ovarian cancer; minimally invasive surgical approaches to endometrial cancer; and multidisciplinary management of cervical and vulvar cancer.

When it comes to telling others about the best ways to care for their gynecologic health, Whicker says this: “Even if you are past the age when you are having babies, continue to keep up with your annual gynecologic care. And if you’re older than 55 and you’re bleeding, tell your health care provider. As you age, this is not normal.”

For more information visit www.MercyHealth.com/Cancer-Care

*The Cancer Network of West Michigan, a joint venture between Mercy Health and Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, leverages the combined resources of two award-winning health systems.