As a breast surgical oncologist, Dr. Meghan Garstka has clinical expertise in diagnosing and treating both cancerous and non-cancerous diseases of the breast. She has special clinical interest in the management of patients with an elevated lifetime risk of breast cancer.
While attending Tulane University School of Medicine (TUSOM) in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Garstka became a member of the inaugural class of Tulane’s DeBakey Scholars Program, a four-year mentoring program that provides research and training opportunities. Also during medical school, she had a passion for community health. She was the first clinic coordinator for TUSOM’s student-run Fleur de Vie free clinic in New Orleans East. In addition, she was a founding member of the TUSOM Interclinic Council.
Dr. Garstka is passionate about health equity and access to care.
Dr. Garstka Discusses How Breast Cancer Screenings Saves Lives in this Live Greater Podcast
Board Certification and Education
Medical School:
Tulane University School of Medicine, 2013
Residency:
Tulane University School of Medicine, 2020
Fellowship:
Massachusetts General Hospital - Breast Surgical Oncology, 2021
Certification:
American Board of Surgery - Surgery, 2021
Hospital Affiliations
University of Maryland Medical Center Midtown Campus
UM St. Joseph Medical Center
UM Upper Chesapeake Health
University of Maryland Medical Center
Research and Publications
Dr. Garstka’s research interests include various aspects of clinical outcomes in breast cancer treatment and surgery, including cost-effectiveness, patient-reported outcomes and quality of care. During her general surgery residency, she completed designated research time with a focus on clinical outcomes in general surgery, surgical oncology and surgical education.
Dr. Garstka’s research efforts have resulted in her receiving multiple awards. In 2018, she earned the Rudolph Matas Clinical Research Award from Tulane University School of Medicine's Department of Surgery. In addition, she received an American Thyroid Association Trainee Grant and a grant from the Society of Surgical Oncology to present a research poster at the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology in Xiamen, China. Also, in 2020, she was the first-place winner in the Cancer Paper Competition at the Louisiana Chapter of the American College of Surgeons' Annual Meeting.
Ratings and Reviews
The star rating is an average of responses to our patient satisfaction survey. Patients measure their experience with our providers on a scale of 1 to 5 stars, 1 being “Very Poor” and 5 being “Very Good.” Learn more about the patient satisfaction survey.
My caregiver (doctor) - Dr. Garstka went above & beyond with me I talked to her on the phone whenever I needed she knew my tears and always made sure I had answers & knew she was there for me.
Can not speak highly enough nor express the gratitude I have for Dr Garstka. She gave "us" the reassurance and support when we needed it. A big thank you!
Dr. Garstka is an amazing doctor who is kind, patient, and knows her stuff. She makes me feel at peace and calm during our interactions. A true GSM! This is one doctor I look forward to seeing!
