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 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.
Medical School:
Internship & Residency:
Fellowship:
Specialized Training:
Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society
American Society of Breast Surgeons
Polish American Medical Society
Spokane County Medical Society
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 Models. Biomed 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 Race. Breast Disease, IOS Press, 10 April 2019.
Kupsik M, Sulo S, Katz A, Memmel H. What do Women Really Think? Patient Understanding of Breast Cancer Risk. Breast 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 Literature. Breast 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 Presentation. Pediatric 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 Males. Am J Hum Biol. Nov-Dec 2010;22(6):775-81.