Michele M Carpenter, MD

Throughout my life, I have enjoyed helping people. This began in earnest as a young hospital volunteer where I learned the true meaning of life and death in the emergency department. I was truly impressed with the dedication of both nurses and physicians. My goal was to be as good a doctor as I could be. When the US Navy graciously paid for most of my Medical school training, I received the best part of my education: a very "up close and personal" view of the world aboard the USS Acadia, a now retired repair ship.

As a young woman, general surgery was a specialty frowned upon for women but I was determined to be a surgeon. I knew this was where I belonged. Having lived with Breast Cancer in the family, I found that caring for women with breast problems and especially breast cancer was my true calling. Throughout my career, I have been intimately involved with the American Cancer Society Breast Health program, Medical Director of the Breast Clinic at Scripps Clinic, and have absolutely enjoyed working closely with the California Department of Health Services Cancer Detection Section.

I learned that in order to fully care for the breast cancer patient, one must treat the whole patient, mind and body. My patients have taught me more than I could have ever imagined over the years and it is this total care of the patient that has brought me to the Memorial Care Breast Program at Saddleback. I believe that this Center can offer the total care experience. I am extremely honored to count myself among the team of professionals that have been assembled here.