RMH adds two to breast health navigator team

Patricia Cheeks, RN, MSN, and Libbi Fitzgerald, RN, have joined RMH Women’s Health Focus as breast health navigators.
The RMH breast health navigator position was created in 2005 to provide help for women diagnosed with, or undergoing evaluation for, breast cancer. Annually, more than 300 women receive integrated care provided through this role. 

“The breast health navigator helps patients chart their course through the often complex process of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, including numerous tests, physicians, procedures and offices, which can initially feel overwhelming,” said Teresa Boshart Yoder, director of Women’s Services at RMH.

Yoder noted that Meg Shrader, RN, RMH’s first breast health navigator, was instrumental in the creation of a comprehensive breast care program at RMH. “We are indebted to her leadership in helping establish this vital service to our patients,” Yoder said. “As we continue to build upon the excellence of our breast care program, we are enhancing the breast navigator service by expanding the role into two positions.”

Fitzgerald will serve as breast health navigator for the diagnostic process. Fitzgerald will assist in scheduling appointments and tests for patients who need further diagnostic testing for potential breast cancer.

Fitzgerald has been with RMH since 2005. She previously worked as a nurse in the RMH Family BirthPlace. She earned RN certification from Blue Ridge Community College.

“I am passionate about women’s health and very excited about my role as breast health navigator,” Fitgerald said. “I want women to know that we are here for them. I am here to provide emotional, physical and educational support.”

Cheeks will serve as breast health navigator manager. In this role, she will oversee the breast care program staff. She also will provide education and support to patients diagnosed with breast cancer who need further intervention, including surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Cheeks brings more than 27 years of nursing experience to her role. She most recently served as the women’s midlife services coordinator at Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville.

Cheeks earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University of Richmond, and a master of science degree in nursing from the University of Virginia. She also is board certified as a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist and a certified menopause educator.

“I am excited to join the RMH Women’s Health Focus team,” Cheeks said. “The RMH breast health navigator program has quickly evolved to better meet the needs of women concerned with or facing the diagnosis of cancer. One of our goals is to offer information and support to women at a time when it may be difficult to take it all in. We believe that caring and concern allow healing to begin immediately. We encourage anyone with breast health concerns to contact us.”

For more information on breast care services at RMH Women’s Health Focus, call 540.433.4641.