Carolyn Bhakta, M.D., joined City of Hope® Cancer Center, located in Lake County, Illinois, in January 2022. She evaluates and treats patients with breast malignancies, ranging from early to advanced stages of disease. Dr. Bhakta’s specialty combines traditional breast cancer surgery with cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery techniques.
Dr. Bhakta earned her medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, Illinois. She completed a residency in general surgery at York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, where she served as chief resident, followed by a fellowship in surgical critical care at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She then went on to complete a research fellowship in breast cancer at the University of Michigan. It was during this time when Dr. Bhakta realized her passion for breast cancer treatment and completed a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, Michigan, where she received advanced training in oncoplastic breast surgery, nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).
Dr. Bhakta is double board-certified in surgical critical care and general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Society of Surgical Oncology, American Society of Breast Surgeons and Association of Women Surgeons.
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO): 2018 - Present
American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS): 2017 - Present
American College of Surgeons (ACS): 2010 - Present