(509) 228-1000 WA
(208) 754-3100 ID

Michalina Kupsik, MD

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Specialty

Surgical Oncology

Location:

SOUTH SPOKANE

NORTH SPOKANE

Additional Areas of Expertise:

Breast Cancer

Dr. Michalina Kupsik is a fellowship trained breast surgical oncologist.  She completed a general surgery residency in Chicago, IL where she had a clinical interest early on in breast surgery.  She completed over 200 breast specific surgeries in this time, trained under mentors who were involved in innovative breast cancer care, was involved in research pertaining to diseases of the breast, participated in the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and was involved in community outreach for patients to learn about breast health and gain access to breast care. 

She then completed an additional year of breast specific training with a focus on breast cancer care at the University of Arkansas to complete a fellowship in breast surgical oncology.  The University of Arkansas originally developed axillary reverse mapping (ARM), which Dr. Kupsik offers to all eligible patients.  In addition to performing ARM, Dr. Kupsik is passionate about applying individualized lymph node care to each patient to decrease the risk of lymphedema. Fellowship training also allowed her to advance her ability to perform complex oncoplastic techniques.  This is an approach to breast surgery that emphasizes cancer care with superior cosmetic outcomes.  For patients undergoing mastectomy, Dr. Kupsik is trained to offer aesthetic flat closure for a more functional incision.  For patients opting to undergo reconstruction, she works closely with plastic surgery.   She also completed advanced ultrasound training at her fellowship and can provide ultrasound-guided procedures.  During her fellowship she continued to be involved in community outreach, teaching, and multidisciplinary care for patients with breast cancer.    

Dr. Kupsik is passionate is passionate about staying current with the newest treatment options for breast cancer treatment and stays active with the American Society of Breast Surgeons and local community.  Dr. Kupsik believes that all patients deserve the highest quality of treatment and should have their options thoroughly explained. An open line of communication and understanding a patient’s concerns from the very first visit is key for building trust and creating an environment of healing.  

In her free time, Dr. Kupsik enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors with her dog and learning how to cook new and unique dishes. Dr. Kupsik is fluent in Polish, both written and spoken. 

Education

Medical School:

  • University of Washington School of Medicine; Seattle, WA

 

Internship & Residency:

  • University of Illinois - Metropolitan Hospital Group (General Surgery); Chicago, IL

 

Fellowship:

  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute (Breast Surgical Oncology); Little Rock, AR

 

Specialized Training:

  • Specialized training in all aspects of breast surgery, including ultrasound guided procedures, axillary reverse mapping and advanced oncoplastics
 
Certification
  • American Board of Surgery: Surgery
  • Society of Surgical Oncology Fellowship Graduate in Breast Surgical Oncology

 

Honors 
  • Five Star Performer, PRC National Excellence in Healthcare, Overall Quality Provider Care (2023, 2021)
  • Senior Resident Teaching Award, University of Illinois Metropolitan Group Hospitals (2018)
  • Durward A. Huckabay, M.D. Endowed Scholarship, UW Medicine (2011, 2009)
  • School of Medicine Service Award, UW Medicine (2011, 2010)
  • Rex J. and Ruth C. Robinson Scholarship in Chemistry 
  • Annual Dean’s List, University of Washington
 
Memberships
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society

  • American Society of Breast Surgeons

  • Polish American Medical Society

  • Spokane County Medical Society

 

Publications

Urbaniak A, Reed M, Fil D, Moorjani A, Heflin S, Antoszczak M, Sulik M, Huczynski A, Kupsik M, Eoff R, MacNicol M, Chambers T, MacNicol A. Single and Double Modified Salinomycin Analogs Target Stem-Like Cells in 2D and 3D Breast Cancer ModelsBiomed Pharmacother. Jun 2021 12;141:111815.

Kupsik M, Bargaje A, Dimitrov R, Perez C. Upstaging of Papillary Lesions to Caricinoma on Surgical Excision is not Impacted by Patient RaceBreast Disease, IOS Press, 10 April 2019.

Kupsik M, Sulo S, Katz A, Memmel H. What do Women Really Think? Patient Understanding of Breast Cancer RiskBreast J. 18 July 2019.

Kupsik M, Yep B, Memmel H, Sulo S. Giant Juvenile Fibroadenoma in a 9-year-old A Case Presentation and Review of the Current LiteratureBreast Disease, IOS Press, 1 Jan 2017.

Kupsik, Michalina, and Heather Brandling-Bennett. An Infant with an Alopecic Plaque on the Scalp and Ocular Choristomas: Case PresentationPediatric Dermatology Pediatr Dermatol 30.4 (2013): 491-92.

Trumble, M, Brindle E, Kupsik M, O'Connor K. Responsiveness of the Reproductive Axis to a Missed Evening Meal in Young Adult MalesAm J Hum Biol. Nov-Dec 2010;22(6):775-81.