March 31, 2009

Dr. Amy Krie named a Champion in the Fight Against Cancer

SIOUX FALLS (March 31, 2009) - The American Cancer Society has honored Dr. Amy Krie, oncologist with Avera Medical Oncology and Hematology at the Avera Cancer Institute as one of this year’s 2009 American Cancer Society Champions in the Fight Against Cancer. Dr. Krie was one of three people receiving this award at the ACS gala event, “Lights, Camera, Action,” on Friday, March 27 at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls.

Dr. Krie is board certified in internal medicine and completed an oncology/hematology fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic. She holds a medical degree from the University of Iowa College of Medicine and completed residency at the Oregon Health Sciences University. At the Avera Cancer Institute, she takes a special interest in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This includes genetic predisposition to breast cancer, and helping women at high risk to evaluate their options. She was instrumental in developing a high risk breast cancer prevention clinic, which offers the most advanced tools for breast cancer detection and prevention, such as breast MRI and genetic testing.

She is also clinical medical director of Avera McKennan’s comprehensive breast program. One aspect of this program is a weekly breast conference, in which every new breast cancer patient receives a complete review of her disease by a multidisciplinary group of physicians and support staff. For patients, this means having a second opinion – as well as a third, fourth or fifth – with no additional office calls or charges. It gives patients increased confidence in going forward with a treatment plan.

In addition, she has worked with colleagues to streamline and improve care through establishing protocols for various aspects of breast cancer care.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer within her lifetime. “Dr. Krie has applied her knowledge, education, skills and passion toward making a difference in the fight against breast cancer. She is viewed as a resident expert in breast cancer at Avera McKennan, trusted by many patients, staff and physicians. Her efforts to improve prevention and treatment of breast cancer make her a leader in her field – at Avera McKennan, in the city of Sioux Falls and the region,” said Kris Gaster, assistant vice president of outpatient cancer clinics at the Avera Cancer Institute.