DiepCFoundation Breast Symposium 2026

See attached Overlake Medical Center Campus maps for detailed parking and directions to the PACCAR Education Center (Bldg. 4 purple) auditorium where the event takes place. Pick up your badge & welcome bag in the lobby at 9 AM and visit the vendors and enjoy breakfast before the sessions begin at 10 AM in the auditorium.

Info: Founder/Director Terri Coutee opens the Symposium with a heartfelt keynote on the power of informed decision‑making, community, and shared stories in breast reconstruction and survivorship. She’ll welcome attendees, acknowledge our world‑renowned faculty, sponsors, and partners, and highlight the mission that brings us together.
Terri will walk through the day’s agenda from expert panels on breast surgery, pre‑hab, robotic‑assisted DIEP, lymphedema, and alternate flaps to patient stories and interactive Q&A sessions after every discussion. She’ll also cover housekeeping items, including venue details, breaks, vendor areas, and how to make the most of your time with surgeons, advocates, and industry leaders.
It’s an energizing start designed to ground everyone in purpose, connection, and the shared goal of empowering patients through education.

Info: This opening panel brings together leading voices in breast cancer care to explore what truly shapes a patient’s experience beyond the diagnosis itself. Christina W**d, MD, breast surgeon at Overlake Medical Center, offers insight into the clinical and emotional realities patients face at the moment of diagnosis. Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS of Plastic Surgery Northwest, expands the conversation with a reconstructive surgeon’s perspective on safety, innovation, and individualized care.
A powerful patient story anchors the session, reminding us how compassion, clarity, and coordinated care influence every decision along the journey. Following the discussion, Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS of PRMA in San Antonio, will moderate an open Q&A, giving attendees the chance to engage directly with the panel and deepen their understanding of patient‑centered care.
This session sets the tone for the day;honest, human, and grounded in the choices that shape healing.

Info: This panel explores the expanding landscape of personalized breast reconstruction, beginning with an overview of all options for breast reconstruction surgery that include implant-based reconstruction and autologous reconstruction using your own tissue.
The conversation then shifts to alternative flap options, guided by expert surgeon who will break down when and why these procedures may be recommended. A second patient story brings these choices to life, offering an honest look at recovery, outcomes, and empowerment through education.
The session concludes with an open Q&A and discussion moderated by Minas Chrysopoulo, MD, FACS creating space for attendees to engage directly with the panel and deepen their understanding of individualized reconstruction pathways and the value of shared decision-making.

Info: Please return to the auditorium at 2:30 PM to begin our final session and panel.

Info: Panel 3: Our final panel brings together leading experts to explore two essential aspects of breast cancer and reconstruction care. Dr. Daniel Murariu begins with an in-depth look at robotic-assisted DIEP flap surgery and how it works, why it matters, and what it can offer patients seeking less invasive options. A patient who traveled specifically for DIEP shares her experience, highlighting the practical and emotional considerations behind choosing this innovative approach. Cynthia Orr presents a powerful patient story that highlights the impact of patient advocacy in lymphedema and and in‑depth look at her lymphedema surgery.
The session concludes with an engaging Q&A led by Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo, creating space for open discussion, practical insights, and deeper understanding. This panel ties together the day’s themes: education, empowerment, and patient‑centered care through expertise, innovation, and lived experience.

Info: Close out the day with an uplifting gathering designed to bring our entire community together. Attendees, surgeons, patients, caregivers, industry partners, and our patient speakers will join Founder/Director Terri Coutee in the lobby for light refreshments and relaxed conversation. This social hour offers a unique chance to continue discussions from the panels, ask follow‑up questions, share personal experiences, and build meaningful connections with others who care deeply about advancing breast reconstruction education and support. Whether you’re looking to network, reflect on the day’s insights, or simply enjoy time with people who understand the journey, this is a welcoming space to connect, recharge, and celebrate the power of community.

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Host or Publisher Terri Coutee