As we embark into a season of thanks and gratitude, we’d like to take a moment to honor our veterans and members of the Armed Forces. Today, we recognize the commitment and strength each individual gives to our country, and we additionally value the sacrifices made by their families. Both abroad and domestically, we’ve seen our troops tirelessly fight for democracy, freedom, and the continuous dedication to bettering the lives of others in need. Without them, America truly could not be the thriving country it is today.

Dr. Mary Ella Carter is proud to be serving our veterans. She previously was part of the surgical team in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and she currently continues to give care to veterans as patients. To all the veterans and their families, thank you!

We are thrilled to have had Sydney, a Senior at Madeira, in our office over the past month! Sydney has spent her five-week-long Senior Project shadowing Dr. Carter, giving educational talks, and helping out in the office. During her time shadowing Dr. Carter, she demonstrated her excellent communication skills and ability to learn through outstanding performance every day! Currently, as a Senior, Sydney is applying to colleges. She is also an aspiring Physician and hopes to attend medical school. In addition to her passion for medicine, Sydney is a competitive equestrian and enjoys riding in her free time. We wish her the best of luck with the rest of her Senior year!

As the weather turns colder, the Carter Crew is enjoying decorating the office for the season. Those of you who have visited us recently know that we are in love with fall and have pumpkins and fall colors in every nook and cranny! We so enjoyed hearing about all our patients’ Halloween experiences and are greatly looking forward to hearing about our patients’ upcoming holiday plans.

We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to our wonderful patients. As many of you know, the Carter Crew appeared in the Washingtonian’s Top Doctors issue this month. We humbly thank you all for teaching us to become better providers.

As we do every October, we are spreading breast cancer awareness. According to statistics, about 1 in 8 U.S. women develops invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. That one woman can be a mother, sister, aunt, dear friend, or respected mentor. She can be any one of us. Breast cancer in the United States has one of highest death rates, second only to lung cancer. Additionally, besides for skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in females in the United States. Only 15% of all women diagnosed with breast caner in their lifetime have a family history of the disease. Breast cancer can affect women under the age of 40, as those who have not had children, and can even affect men. Therefore, it is essential that we learn more about prevention and mammography of populations of all demographics.

Research and education are crucial for the early detection and treatment of the disease, and today, one can find a plethora of resources that can teach us how to fight breast cancer before and after it occurs. Everyone, especially women over the age of 20, is encouraged to not only see their doctor for regular breast examinations, but to also perform self-exams. Knowing your breasts is essential in detecting any abnormalities and, therefore, helps diagnose breast cancer at an early stage. By utilizing all the screening and treatment options available today, we can succeed in the fight with breast cancer.

Sources:

www.breastcancer.org

www.cdc.gov

As the leaves are turning yellow, the days are becoming shorter, and the rain is beginning to fall more frequently, the Carter Crew is ready for Fall 2018. Our team is already preparing for the new season by baking delicious pies, going apple picking, attending football games, and hiking in the beautiful parks in the area. With our wonderful patients returning from their trips, we are eager to hear about all the adventures, exciting travels, and a summer that has left a lot of memories. Reminiscing of the long summer days, we are excited to welcome fall and are looking forward to all the beauty the season brings!