Neil Fine, MD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0

Nov 22, 2024

I wish there was an option to give more than five stars because it doesn’t feel like it’s enough. Dr. Fine, Michelle, Karen, Barb and the ENTIRE NSPS team deserve a 10-star, 5 Diamond, AAA+ and all other things amazing rating.

And while the circumstances that brought me to the NSPS office were far from ideal, I am overjoyed to write this review because of my experience and I hope it helps others. I completed my last surgery at the end of October and have spent a lot of time thinking about how to accurately articulate just how outstanding Dr. Fine and the NSPS team is – (I don’t think enough superlatives exist to do this, but I will try).

At 39 years old, and zero history of breast cancer, I was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2017. To say it was devastating, unimaginable news, is an understatement. I was ready to do whatever my oncologist surgeon recommended -- he’s the expert. But when you’re actually told the best course of action is a bilateral mastectomy, it is overwhelming.

That’s when I was given the names of a few plastic surgeons to research and pick one to be on ‘my team.’ I know my guardian angel, or someone from above, was looking out for me big time when they guided me to Dr. Fine and NSPS.

Simply put, not only is Dr. Fine a surgical maestro, he is also a caring, kind, understanding and empathetic human. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction plus a subsequent three surgeries, (due to complications from chemo). I couldn’t be happier with the results. Physically, I look better than I did before the surgeries.

But, my experience with Dr. Fine was far more than just the masterful work of one of the nation’s top (if not the top) plastic surgeons. It was a long process – and there were bumps along the way with chemo. I spent a lot of time at the NSPS office. And sent a lot of texts.

Michelle, Dr. Fine’s Physician’s Assistant, was with me every step – she’s been with Dr. Fine for a number of years and is the definition of top-notch. She patiently answered all of my questions (as ridiculous as they might be), replied to all of my texts and was someone I could count on to be there. Her passion for her work is palpable. And her genuine care for her patients unmatched.

Then there’s Karen. She runs the office and is Dr. Fine’s wife. Every time I would see her, I would be greeted with a great big hug and words of encouragement. Her energy and positivity could best be described as rays of sunshine. Just being in her presence, I felt comforted and taken care of – I just felt better.

I would be remiss not to mention Barb and the incredible front desk staff. Every time I walked into their office, I was welcomed like a beloved family member. I don’t think they really understand how much that means to someone going through what I did. It is life-changing to receive such incredible care.

For as unbelievably awful as it is to receive a cancer diagnosis, it is just as unbelievably amazing to have people like Dr. Fine, Michelle, Karen, Barb + team there to get you through it. I do believe Dr. Fine, Michelle, Karen, Barb and the entire staff are angels masquerading as people.

I'll never forget a nurse telling me after I was diagnosed that I was living in 'extraordinary times.' She was right. The care I received from Dr. Fine, Michelle, Karen and the entire NSPS team was extraordinary. I’m so very blessed they were with me during the scariest time of my life (so far). And I thank my lucky stars for them every day.

Julia Lanigan — google_place

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