The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center (JMBCC) proudly stands as the only dedicated breast care center in the area. “Offering assistance, support, and coordination of care has always been at the core of what we provide for our patients,” says Erin Goins, Director of Women’s Services. “Recently, the JMBCC took an additional step by certifying a Breast Health Clinical Navigator through the National Consortium of Breast Centers (NCBC). This certification exceeds national requirements and provides our patients with the highest level of supportive care.”
The certification process involves comprehensive online learning modules covering all aspects of breast cancer, including diagnosis, testing, surgery, and treatment. Participants must pass a rigorous test and undergo a one-on-one evaluation conducted by the NCBC.
A Breast Health Clinical Navigator serves as a vital liaison between patients, their families, and the health care team. Their role includes providing education, guidance, and emotional support while advocating for the patient’s needs and preferences. One of the navigator’s most important functions is coordinating follow-up appointments, explaining tests and results, and ensuring patients have a dedicated point of contact to address their concerns and questions.
Courtney Johnson, JMBCC’s Certified Breast Health Clinical Navigator, brings eight years of experience at the center to her role. “I have seen so many patients overwhelmed by a breast cancer diagnosis,” says Johnson. “When the opportunity to become certified in breast health navigation arose, I was eager to take the course. I knew I could make a meaningful difference for patients from the moment their diagnosis changes the course of their lives.”
Johnson’s involvement begins with every patient scheduled for a breast biopsy. She often attends the procedure, providing support during a time of significant anxiety, as patients await their results. “Waiting for results is incredibly stressful, and that’s one area where I can help as a navigator,” Johnson explains.
For patients diagnosed with breast cancer, the Clinical Navigator collaborates with the JMBCC and Windber Hospital to coordinate appointments, schedule multiple tests on the same day, and deliver timely results. Johnson also assists with securing insurance authorizations and obtaining medical clearances from family and specialty physicians. “All of these tasks take time and patience,” Johnson notes, “and they can be incredibly frustrating for patients, especially when they’re not feeling well.”
A patient’s treatment plan may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Whether treatment is local or out-of-town, JMBCC’s Breast Navigator remains a key resource for ongoing support. Johnson adds, “In this role, I’m also able to connect patients with organizations and resources that can assist with travel and expenses they might not know about.”
Goins emphasizes the importance of this program: “The JMBCC was founded on providing exceptional care. Having added a dedicated Certified Breast Health Navigator allows us to further enhance the personalized support and coordination we have always strived to offer our patients.”
About Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center
The Joyce Murtha Breast Care Center (JMBCC) opened in February 2002 offering comprehensive and personalized breast care in one convenient location. The JMBCC exists to prevent and treat diseases of the breast and other conditions that can impact the lives of the women served. The tools and techniques used include digital mammography, ultrasound, breast biopsies, breast MRI, bone densitometry, genetic counseling, research studies, and a female breast surgeon on-site.
About Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber
Founded in 1906, Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber (CSSMCW) is an independent, non-profit acute care hospital in northern Somerset County, bordering Cambria County. The 54-bed hospital shares a campus and collaborates with Chan Soon-Shiong Institute of Molecular Medicine at Windber (CSSIMMW), a private, non-profit biomedical research center. With more than 450 employees, CSSMCW is the fourth largest employer in Somerset County. CSSMCW’s mission is to provide excellence in personalized, quality health care services through innovation, research and education in response to community needs. For more information visit www.windbercare.org.