At the end of December 2023, Carol Burgin was set to have a right knee replacement. But during standard pre-op testing, she received astonishing news that was anything but routine: The tests revealed cancerous spots on her lung. “I couldn’t believe it,” she recalls. “I said to the doctors, ‘I’m not sick, I don’t have any symptoms, and here you are telling me that I have lung cancer?’”

The Hallandale Beach resident was referred by her doctor to Mount Sinai’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she met with Fernando Safdie, MD, Associate Director of Thoracic Surgery. “He is such a kind person, and had an incredible amount of expertise; I really felt that he could handle the situation,” Carol says, adding that Dr. Safdie even took the time to sit with her at the computer to help decipher her scans. “He explained everything to me. Dr. Safdie was confident about my treatment, and because of that, he made me feel confident that he was the doctor for me.”

Carol started chemotherapy and immunotherapy in January and says that her daughter was there by her side through it all. “She took on such a big role,” Carol says. “She sat with me for five hours during chemo, bringing me things to eat and to keep me hydrated. Having her support was everything.” Carol also acknowledges the compassion and quick efficiency of Mount Sinai’s team during her treatments, which made the process easier. “There is so much anxiety from bloodwork to surgeries; I just felt they did things in the best interest of the patient; they were very focused on me and my experience.”

After completing her chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment, Carol was relieved to find out that the cancerous growths had shrunk. Thereafter, she underwent surgery to remove a portion of her right lung. “Dr. Safdie performed a minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgery, which was amazing, especially for the recovery,” he says. “I feel like they have the latest technology.” Even better was the news she received from the biopsies. “All 21 lymph nodes evaluated came back negative, with no residual cancer. You don’t know what a joy it was to hear that,” Carol says, fighting back tears. “You come back to your house, to your family, and you realize how lucky you are. Even in dire circumstances, there’s still hope.”

The 73-year-old not only is cancer-free now, but she was also able to quit smoking with the support provided at Mount Sinai. She is now undergoing immunotherapy, and has pushed through the dark times, looking ahead to a brighter future. “I figured I’d live to be 90, and thanks to Mount Sinai, I think I’m going to make it,” Carol says.

Dr. Fernando Safdie is the Director of Endoluminal and Airway Surgery and Associate Director of Thoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. He is renowned for his expertise in treating complex thoracic conditions, and for his dedication to personalized patient care. “Each patient requires a unique treatment plan tailored to their specific health and personal needs,” Dr. Safdie explains, highlighting his commitment to personalized care.

His compassionate approach was crucial for Carol, a patient with locally advanced lung cancer. “Carol was initially overwhelmed by her diagnosis. But through open discussions and supportive care, she became an active participant in her treatment,” Dr. Safdie recalls. This included a strategic mix of chemotherapy and advanced surgical interventions.

Looking ahead to the opening of the Irma and Norman Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Safdie is optimistic about the enhanced care capabilities it will offer. “The center will allow us to further personalize care, ensuring every patient receives not only advanced treatments, but also comprehensive support throughout their journey,” he notes, underscoring his vision for holistic patient care at Mount Sinai.