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
2050 Kenny Road
Columbus, OH 43221
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location. Please call the “Schedule an appointment” number shown above for scheduling assistance.
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
MD
7/1/1978 - 6/12/1981
Residency
Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
7/1/1981 - 6/30/1984
Chief Resident
Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
7/1/1984 - 6/30/1985
Fellowship
Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
7/1/1985 - 6/30/1987
Board Certifications
American Board of Pediatrics
11/16/1986
American Board of Medical Genetics (Subspecialty: Clinical Genetics)
9/1/1987
Academic Information
My Department
Internal Medicine
My Division
Human Genetics
Reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
32 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
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Overall
4.8 out of 5
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Explains Things Clearly
4.3 out of 5
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Listens Carefully
4.2 out of 5
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Gives Understandable Instructions
4.2 out of 5
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Knows My Medical History
3.9 out of 5
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Shows Respect
4.2 out of 5
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Time Spent Together
4.5 out of 5
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 11/01/2020, Dr. Westman has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Everything was good about my experience with them.
Very informative, courteous.
Everything was explained clearly. Provider answered all question with full knowledge.
Very disappointed.
Visit provided what I expected.
Dr. Westman was very kind & considerate she answered all my questions & concerns. She helped refer me to other providers I need to see regarding my condition.
She negatively made me feel like I had the condition before the test was done.
They really took the time needed to get a full picture of my health. I have great confidence that they gave me an accurate diagnosis.
Nothing bad at all.
The pre-care team did a great job at listening & understanding my concerns. The dr. seemed rushed & disinterested in my care.