Breast Surgical Oncology Team

Expert breast cancer care is closer than you think.

At Arizona Oncology, we believe no two breast cancer patients are alike. By focusing on the individual, and not just the disease, we are able to deliver world-class care and research with passion and precision, right in your community, so you can thrive with and beyond cancer.

Guided by an expert surgical team, we’re with you every step of the way, developing a personalized plan with leading-edge technology and a holistic healing strategy. Our breast nurse navigator offers support throughout the treatment process, answering questions and coordinating your care.

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Meet the Breast Surgical Oncology Team

Our fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologists are recognized leaders in their field who have an in-depth knowledge of breast cancer biology, genetics, and the most advanced surgical options to help patients achieve the best possible results.

Karen J. Hendershott, MD, FACS
Karen J. Hendershott, MD, FACS is a fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist who also completed a research fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where she was named the Chief Academic Fellow. Previously she was an assistant professor of surgery and assistant residency program director at Cooper University Hospital where she was an award-winning educator. She then worked as an attending surgeon at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle. Dr. Hendershott has multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at national surgical conferences. She is board certified, is a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons, has fellowship training in breast surgical oncology from Maimonides Medical Center, and has 15 years of experience specializing in the care of breast patients.

Dr. Hendershott has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor. Dr. Hendershott specializes in the surgical management of genetic, familial, and triple-negative breast cancers and has a special interest in invasive lobular cancers. She has additional training in the performance of oncoplastic techniques to maximize cosmetic outcomes in breast conservation surgery. In addition to nipple-sparing mastectomies, she offers “aesthetically flat” mastectomy scars using complex closures and performs goldilocks procedures in women desiring breast mounds without formal reconstruction.

Michele L. B. Ley, MD, FACS
Michele L. B. Ley, MD, FACS earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine before completing her general surgery residency at the University of Arizona. She also completed her breast surgical oncology fellowship at the University of California San Francisco. Dr. Ley has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor.

Dr. Ley specializes in the surgical management of benign and malignant breast disease. She specializes in breast conservation and mastectomy with oncoplastic techniques to optimize surgical outcomes, including nipple-sparing mastectomy and goldilocks mastectomy.

Before joining Arizona Oncology in 2019, she practiced breast surgical oncology at Tucson Medical Center and served as the director of the TMC Breast Health program. Prior to that, she was a clinical associate professor of surgery in the Department of Surgery and the director of breast surgical oncology in the Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of Arizona.

Dr. Ley is an active participant in community outreach and education. She has been an invited speaker at survivorship symposiums, community events, and academic events throughout her career. Dr. Ley is board certified by the American Board of Surgery, is an active member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Rebecca K. Viscusi, MD, FACS
Rebecca K. Viscusi, MD, FACS is a breast surgical oncologist who has been practicing medicine since 2005. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer patients, she was the first surgeon in the Tucson area to utilize radar localization to target cancer during a lumpectomy. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and certified in ultrasound through the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

Dr. Viscusi has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals and has delivered conferences, scholarly presentations, and seminars on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and general medical education. She has served as a reviewer for the Annals of Surgical Oncology and the Journal of Surgery.

Highly involved in service and outreach, Dr. Viscusi has been a member of the Susan G. Komen board, Tucson Society of Women Physicians, and the Tucson Surgical Society. She served as a faculty advisor for the Association of Women Surgeons.

Prior to joining Arizona Oncology in 2019, Dr. Viscusi served as associate professor of surgery for the Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. In addition, Dr. Viscusi is very involved in medical education and served as the director of the Medical Student Surgery Clerkship while at the University of Arizona.

Jennifer Vargas, MSN, WHNP
Jennifer Vargas, MSN, WHNP received her MSN from California State University Long Beach and received her Women’s Health NP certification from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. She has extensive experience in women’s health and breast surgery. Jennifer received training in cancer genetics at the City of Hope in their Intensive Course in Genomic Cancer Risk Assessment. She provides cancer genetic risk assessment services at our Craycroft office.

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We take pride in supporting patients and caregivers through their entire journey, collaborating with purpose to make a positive difference during a difficult time. Remember, you are the most important part of your treatment plan. So don’t let breast cancer define you — because we sure won’t.