Who are the scientific and health professionals who have contributed to Breast Implant Answers? Highly accomplished and respected, they're foremost authorities in a variety of specialties. Their input represents a vast range of knowledge about silicone and silicone gel-filled breast implants.

Read about these health experts and find out what they have to say about silicone and silicone gel-filled breast implants and the following: Platinum, Oncology, Connective Tissue Disease, Surgical Risks, Psychology and Gel Bleed/Rupture.

Scroll through and click on any photo to read a bio and the expert’s contribution.

Harold Brandon, D.Sc. is an assistant research professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery and an adjunct professor of mechanical engineering at the Washington University Schools of Medicine and Engineering in St. Louis, Missouri. He also serves as a consulting engineer. Dr. Brandon has more than 35 years of industrial and academic experience, and has been involved in the analysis of breast implants since 1992. He and his colleagues at Washington University have tested and analyzed the world’s oldest silicone gel-filled and saline-filled breast implants, and the world’s largest inventory of silicone gel-filled breast implants with lot-matched controls.

Dr. Brandon’s work in the plastic and reconstructive surgery and mechanical engineering fields allows him to answer many of the questions women have about the surgical aspects of breast implant procedures, as well as the physical make-up of the new generation of silicone gel-filled breast implants and how these implants react with the body.

Dr. Brandon’s medical device expertise, silicone gel-filled breast implants in particular, led him to serve on the 2005 Health Canada Expert Advisory Panel on Breast Implants, which was influential in the 2006 approval of silicone gel-filled breast implants in Canada. Dr. Brandon served as chairman of the Biomaterials in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Symposium at the World’s Biomaterials Congress in 2000 and 2004 and has been selected to chair the symposium in 2008. He also currently serves as a board member of the Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants. His research in mechanical engineering, plastic and reconstructive surgery, and medical devices has resulted in extensive published peer reviewed studies and a wealth of knowledge surrounding the technological and physical make-up of silicone gel-filled breast implants.

R. James Brenner, M.D., J.D., F.A.C.R., F.C.L.M. is professor of clinical radiology and chief of the breast imaging section at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Brenner began his career at Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA as an attending physician. During his twelve years at Cedar Sinai, Dr. Brenner rose to the position of director of breast imaging and was appointed interim director of the department of radiology in 1991. Dr. Brenner went on to become director of breast imaging of the Joyce Eisenberg Keefer Breast Center at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, CA. During this time, he was appointed clinical professor of radiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine. In addition to his medical training, Dr. Brenner holds a J.D. from the University of San Francisco and is one of the world’s leading experts in the medical legal aspects of breast imaging.

Throughout his career, Dr. Brenner has been an active member of several major professional organizations in the medical imaging and radiology fields, including serving on several committees within the Radiologic Society of North America (RSNA). Dr. Brenner has been most active with the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI), serving as secretary and treasurer from 2004-2008, vice president from 2004-2006 and president from 2006-2007. Dr. Brenner’s extensive professional and academic experience has established him as a sought-after speaker and lecturer at academic and professional institutions worldwide. Additionally, Dr. Brenner established himself as a leader in breast imaging research, which has led to the publication of hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, book chapters and abstracts, including the first textbook on silicone breast implant evaluation, for which Dr. Brenner served as co-author. Dr. Brenner was acknowledged for his excellence in radiology when he was named as one of America’s top radiologists by the Consumer Research Council of America in 2007.

Dr. Brenner is one of the leading breast radiologists in the world, as his wealth of experience with patients and years of research and university teaching allow him a unique understanding of both the needs and concerns of patients. As a member of the Breast Implant Resource Team, Dr. Brenner will draw on his experience to provide answers to questions surrounding breast imaging practices in women with silicone gel-filled breast implants.

Michael A. Brook, Ph.D. is an expert in silicones and a Professor of Chemistry, Director of Insight: The Center for Advanced Ophthalmic Materials, and Member of the School of Biomedical Engineering at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.

In addition to his teaching positions, Dr. Brook leads a research Group at McMaster University, a team of researchers that focuses on organic, polymer and materials synthesis, utilizing silicon chemistry. Dr. Brook’s specialty is in developing silicon and silicone chemistry (including silicon cure using platinum), and the development of new silicone materials that can be used in medical devices, particularly in the eye.

In both 2003 and 2005, Dr. Brook testified before an FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health panel on the topic of platinum assay in silicone breast implants. Dr Brook has twice been a member of Health Canada (Canadian equivalent to the FDA) regulatory panels on breast implants.

Dr. Brook is an editor of Silicon Chemistry, an international journal devoted to all aspects of Silicone Science and Technology and is a widely published author in the areas of silicon chemistry and silicone biomaterials.

Joanne Gladfelter, RN, CPSN is a certified plastic surgery nurse with more than 20 years of experience in multiple areas of plastic and reconstructive surgical nursing.

Ms. Gladfelter has played an active role in many organizations and professional associations throughout her career. She served as a member of the Breast Cancer Patient Education Council Advisory Board, a representative for the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN) at the National Nursing Summit on Violence Against Women and a speaker at the National Convention of Dermatology Nurses. She continues to participate in breast cancer support groups and organizations, and contributes in a variety of ways to several professional nursing organizations. Most notably, Ms. Gladfelter has been an active member of ASPSN throughout her professional career, and served as the ASPSN national president in 1997.

Ms. Gladfelter currently serves on the editorial board of the Plastic Surgical Nursing journal and holds affiliations with the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nursing, Dermatology Nurses Association and Association of Operating Room Nurses. She received her nursing diploma from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Baltimore, MD.

Ms. Gladfelter has had extensive interactions with patients considering breast augmentation, revision and reconstruction surgery, and as a result, is well aware of the multitude of questions women have about the procedure. As a member of the Breast Implant Resource Team, Ms. Gladfelter is able to apply her years of experience in the plastic and reconstructive surgery nursing field to help address some of the questions and concerns women have about silicone gel-filled breast implants.

Linda Golodner is the president and CEO of the National Consumers League, the nation's pioneer consumer organization. Priority programs for the League include food and drug safety, corporate social responsibility, technology and telecommunications, and consumer fraud.

Ms. Golodner represents the NCL on several national boards, including the Patient Safety Institute, International Cocoa Initiative, Fair Labor Association, and the American National Standards Institute, where she chairs the Consumer Interest Forum. She represents the United States at the International Standards Organization Working Group on Social Responsibility, which is developing an international standard on social responsibility.

Ms. Golodner received the FDA Commissioner’s Special Citation and the American Pharmacists Association’s Hugo H. Schaefer Award. She was also honored by the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area for her work in human rights.

As president and CEO of NCL, Ms. Golodner believes that it is vital that people have access to accurate, unbiased information on health topics that affect all American families. As a member of the Breast Implant Resource Team, Ms. Golodner provides clear answers to the broad array of questions that consumers have about silicone gel-filled breast implants.

James C. Lamb, Ph.D., DABT, FATS is Senior Vice President of the Applied Toxicology & Risk Assessment Practice Group at The Weinberg Group, Inc. An expert in toxicology, Dr. Lamb has more than 30 years experience studying the safety of various materials including substances used in medical devices that are implanted in the human body. He has reviewed the toxicological studies on the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants. Dr. Lamb’s has special expertise in the effects of chemicals on children’s health whether exposure comes from the mother or directly. He is also trained and experienced in general toxicology, carcinogenesis, reproductive and developmental toxicology, risk assessment and regulatory policy.

Dr. Lamb has been active in various roles at the Society of Toxicology and served as President of the American Board of Toxicology. He has published more than 100 journal articles, book chapters and technical reports covering reproductive and developmental toxicology, endocrine toxicology, risk assessment, chemical regulations and legislation.

In his early career, Dr. Lamb served as Special Assistant to the Assistant Administrator for Pesticides and Toxic Substances in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and as Biologist and Head of the Fertility and Reproduction Group of the U.S. National Toxicology Program. In addition, Dr. Lamb has served on numerous scientific panels, as well as on the review boards for government and private organizations.

In his role as a Breast Implant Resource Team member, Dr. Lamb is able to pass on his knowledge and understanding to those considering breast implant surgery, but who are unsure of the impact and long-term effects silicone gel-filled breast implants may have on their bodies.

Patricia A. McGuire, M.D. is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice with Parkcrest Plastic Surgery. She also has an appointment as a clinical instructor of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Mo.

Dr. McGuire is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society and was awarded the American Medical Women’s Association Award for Academic Achievement. From 2005-2007, she served as president of the St. Louis Area Society of Plastic Surgeons. She was named as one of the Best Doctors in Plastic Surgery by St. Louis Magazine and Alive magazine, 2004-2007. Dr. McGuire is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Medical Women’s Association, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Association of Women Surgeons, St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society and St. Louis Area Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Throughout her career, Dr. McGuire has interacted with patients considering silicone gel-filled breast implants for augmentation, revision and reconstruction procedures. This interaction, coupled with her own professional education and investigations, has gained Dr. McGuire a deep understanding of both the impact of breast surgery on women and the broad array of questions and concerns women have prior to surgery. As a Breast Implant Resource Team member, Dr. McGuire is able to directly address many of these questions and concerns.

Dr. McGuire graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a BA in Biology and moved on to the university’s medical school, where she received her M.D. She spent her internship and surgical residency at the Jewish Hospital of St. Louis at Washington University, and did a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at St. Louis University.

Joseph K. McLaughlin, Ph.D. is Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. He also holds an adjunct faculty appointment in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. Dr. McLaughlin has conducted numerous epidemiologic studies on the etiology of various cancers and on the health impact of medical devices at the University of Minnesota, the Johns Hopkins University, and, for 11 years, the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. McLaughlin is renowned for his assessments of occupational exposures, pharmaceuticals, medical procedures and implants as they relate to cancer and other diseases in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Internationally recognized for his research on the etiology of renal cancer, Dr. McLaughlin's more than 400 scientific publications have helped set theoretical and practical standards for epidemiological study methods.

Dr. McLaughlin is an editor for numerous scientific journals, including the American Journal of Epidemiology, American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment, and Health, and Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants.

Dr. McLaughlin has authored multiple studies examining the long-term health effects of silicone gel-filled breast implants in women, many of which were considered by the FDA as part of their formal review for approval. His extensive background studying the health effects of silicone gel-filled breast implants provides Dr. McLaughlin with a unique ability to address many of the questions and concerns women may have regarding the impact of silicone gel-filled breast implants on their health.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Mullen is a nonprofit, health care and public policy consultant, working closely with women living with breast cancer. In 1992, Ms. Mullen was herself diagnosed with breast cancer, and her personal experiences with fighting the disease have heavily influenced her desire to advocate for other women living with breast cancer, and assist them in their battle to overcome the disease.

Ms. Mullen’s career as a breast cancer advocate has led her to hold many esteemed positions including the formation of her own patient advocate organization, the Women's Information Network Against Breast Cancer (WIN ABC). WIN ABC was founded by Ms. Mullen to empower breast cancer patients to become informed partners with their health care team as they travel through diagnosis, treatment and recovery with confidence and grace.

In addition to her role as Founder and President/CEO of WIN ABC, Ms. Mullen has served as the National Spokesperson and Government Relations Director for the National NeedleArts Association’s “Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer” campaign and was the founder of the nationally acclaimed Breast Buddy Breast Care Program. Additionally, she was the co-founder of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp, which successfully lobbied the U.S. government for the creation of the breast cancer research postage stamp that has raised over $50 million to fund breast cancer research since its release in 1998. Ms. Mullen also has extensive clinical experience and expertise in breast cancer care programs, as well as informed consent for diverse patient and provider populations covering issues such as patient education, patient empowerment, psychosocial support and cultural competency.

Ms. Mullen’s experience as a patient advocate for women living with breast cancer, combined with her own experiences as a breast cancer survivor, has provided her a deep understanding of the questions and concerns that women with breast cancer have at all stages of the disease. Ms. Mullen knows first hand what many women go through when considering options following a mastectomy. As a member of the Breast Implant Resource Team, Ms. Mullen hopes to help address the wide array of questions and concerns many women face with regards to their options and with silicone gel-filled breast implants.

Judy Perotti, M.S., LCPC has been a psychotherapist since 1981 and currently leads a private practice in Evanston, Illinois. In addition to her extensive career in psychotherapy, Ms. Perotti is a long-time patient advocate for women living with breast cancer. A breast cancer survivor herself, Ms. Perotti served as director of patient services with Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization before co-founding Research Advocacy Network (RAN), a group that helps equip patient advocates with the necessary resources to advance their goals. In 2007, Ms. Perotti left RAN to create Advocate Resources, an organization that provides consultation services to patient advocacy organizations, the government and industry groups.

Ms. Perotti is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Counseling Association, National Surgical Breast and Bowel Project’s Patient Advocacy Committee and Association of Oncology Social Work. Ms. Perotti served on various boards and panels as an advisor to organizations, including the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Program for the Assessment of Clinical Cancer Tests Breast Cancer Working Group 2002. She also serves on the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Technology Assessment Panel on the Use of Aromatase Inhibitors. Ms. Perotti has published materials to assist those living with cancer, including Understanding Your Breast Cancer Pathology Report and a brochure for breast cancer patients published by Y-ME in 2000. She was also co-author of Role of Advocates in Research: The Research Advocate Network (RAN) as a Model for Advocate Participation published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Ms. Perotti’s role as a patient advocate for women living with breast cancer, as well as her personal experiences living with the disease, provide her with an understanding of the questions women considering silicone gel-filled breast implants for breast reconstruction may have. Ms. Perotti brings her extensive knowledge to the Breast Implant Resource Team to help alleviate the confusion many women have regarding silicone gel-filled breast implants.

Kathleen Rodgers, Ph.D. is a Professor of Research at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Throughout her career, Dr. Rodgers has conducted research into a broad array of topics, including gynecological cancers, medical device safety (including silicone gel-filled breast implants), drug effectiveness and toxicology.

Dr. Rodgers is an established researcher and author, as well as a consultant to The Roundtable of Toxicology (RTC). She has provided guidance for preclinical product development, including preclinical studies and preparation of technical reports for submission to the FDA for a number of companies and products. Additionally, she has developed recommended panels of safety studies to assist with clinical trials under FDA and EU supervision.

Her extensive work examining the toxicological impact of medical devices and drugs on the body lends herself perfectly to her role on the Breast Implant Resource Team. Dr. Rodgers has also closely examined the impact of silicone gel-filled breast implants in the development of autoimmune disorders, such as connective tissue diseases, in women. Her experience and research in examining the impact silicone gel-filled breast implants may have on the body gives her the ability to answer some of the questions women may have regarding silicone gel-filled breast implants and their bodies.

Dr. Rodgers received her B.A. in Biology in 1980 from the University of California at Irvine and both her M.A., in 1984, and her doctorate, in 1986, from the University of California at Riverside.

Daniel N. Ronel, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.C.S. is a plastic surgeon in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery of the face and body, and brings a unique experience to his practice as he is the only physician in the United States with board-certification in both plastic surgery and pediatrics.

Dr. Ronel is a graduate of Princeton University and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. He received his surgical training at the New York Presbyterian Hospital System (the University Hospitals of Columbia and Cornell medical schools) and his pediatric training at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Ronel served four years in the United States Air Force, where he rose to the rank of major and held the position of Chief of Pediatrics at Columbus Air Force Base. He is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association and Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society, and is a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Ronel was named one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons by the Consumer’s Research Council of America.

Dr. Ronel’s certification in plastic surgery and pediatrics brings the Breast Implant Resource Team a unique insight and understanding of the surgical procedures and options for women, as well as the implications for those women who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant and want to breastfeed their infants.

David B. Sarwer, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry and Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He is a consultant to the Edwin Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance at PENN, where he conducts research on the psychological aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Sarwer also serves as Director of Clinical Services at the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Dr. Sarwer is well known for his pioneering research on the psychological aspects of plastic surgery. His professional expertise in this area means that he has a unique understanding of the concerns and questions that women have relating to the psychological aspects of cosmetic surgery, including breast surgery. As a member of the Breast Implant Resource Team, Dr. Sarwer is able to apply this knowledge and understanding to help answer some of the critical questions women have regarding breast surgery and their options and desired outcomes for this surgery.

Dr. Sarwer received his B.A. in 1990 from Tulane University, his M.A. in 1992 from Loyola University, Chicago and his doctorate in clinical psychology in 1995 from Loyola University, Chicago. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Human Appearance and Center for Weight and Eating Disorders before joining the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1997.