Jennifer Plichta, MD MS

Dr. Jennifer Plichta is an Associate Professor of Surgery & Population Health Sciences at Duke University. She serves as the Director of the Breast Risk Assessment Clinic in the Duke Cancer Institute, where she cares for patients with breast cancer, benign breast problems, and those with an increased risk of breast cancer. Her clinical interests include establishing routine breast cancer risk assessment for women undergoing annual mammography and creating personalized management strategies for those found to be "high risk."

Dr. Plichta’s research focuses on identifying and managing women with risk factors for breast cancer, including those with genetic mutations, such as BRCA, abnormal breast biopsies, and a family history of breast cancer. She is also studying how breast cancer staging can be used to improve patient care and education. However, her dedication to breast cancer extends beyond her clinical and research interests. She also enjoys educating the community about breast cancer and helping to raise money for breast cancer research and education. She is the creator and primary coordinator of Duke’s free, annual breast education day for the community, “What’s best for breasts?”.

Interest/specialization: Breast surgery, breast cancer, breast cancer risk, and germline genetic mutations that predispose patients to breast cancer.