About Me
I am a clinical geneticist who specializes in the diagnosis and management of individuals with strong family histories of cancer and other gene-based disorders, including breast cancers associated with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. I also lead the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program.
Clinical genetics is very much a multidisciplinary practice, especially at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center, where we use a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to patient care.
I meet with people who are newly diagnosed with cancer to determine if their genetic status might influence the type of surgery they choose to have. I also meet with: cancer survivors who want to know if they should be screened for other types of cancers; people who have a strong family history of cancer, but have not had cancer themselves, to determine if they should have more intensive screening; and with people who have been identified with a genetic change to discuss how they can best be managed by their healthcare providers. Using my background as an educator, I take the time to explain things clearly.
My research focuses on working with the medical and surgical oncologists at The James to increase the use of cutting-edge therapies for individuals with a genetic susceptibility to cancer.
My roles have included an extensive list of leadership positions here at Ohio State and on a national level. I served as associate dean for The Ohio State University College of Medicine in medical education administration for 12 years with responsibilities for curriculum revision and administration of the preclinical portion of the medical student curriculum. I currently serve as assistant dean for foundational sciences.
In 2008, I became the clinical director of Ohio State’s Division of Human Genetics and am now the physician lead for our cancer genetics group. I play a national role in physician education as a member of the National Board of Medical Examiners and serve on the management committee responsible for all of the United States Medical Licensing Examinations, working to keep the public safe through verification of physician abilities.
I have published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, New England Journal of Medicine, Science and Nature Genetics.
Highlights
- Published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and the New England Journal of Medicine, Science and Nature Genetics
- Served as the associate dean for The Ohio State University College of Medicine
- Clinical director of Ohio State’s Division of Human Genetics, 2008 – 2013
- Member of the National Board of Medical Examiners and serve on the management committee responsible for all United States Medical Licensing Examinations
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Breast Cancer
- Genes
- Genetics
Locations Where I Practice
6100 North Hamilton Road
Westerville, OH 43081
614-814-8100
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
7/1/1978 - 6/12/1981
Residency
Nationwide Children's Hospital-GME, Columbus, OH
7/1/1981 - 6/30/1984
Residency
Nationwide Children's Hospital-GME, Columbus, OH
7/1/1984 - 6/30/1985
Fellowship
Nationwide Children's Hospital-GME, Columbus, OH
7/1/1985 - 6/30/1987
Board Certifications
American Board of Pediatrics
11/16/1986
American Board of Medical Genetics/Clinical Genetics
9/1/1987
Academic Information
My Department
Internal Medicine
My Division
Human Genetics
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 09/29/2023, Dr. Westman has reported no relationships with companies or entities.