Mammography

Doc Talk: Dr. Eileen Sacks, Guiding Patients Through the Unknown

Behind every diagnosis, every surgery, and every moment of reassurance is a team of dedicated healthcare professionals committed to making excellent care personal.

Whether guiding someone through a cancer diagnosis, performing surgery, or offering reassurance during one of life’s most difficult moments, Dr. Eileen Sacks believes compassionate care extends far beyond the operating room. As a General Surgeon at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH), Dr. Sacks combines clinical expertise with empathy, helping patients and families navigate some of life’s most challenging experiences.

In this edition of Doc Talk, Dr. Sacks shares what inspires her every day, how advances in breast health services and surgical technology are improving patient care, and why donor support is essential to providing the best possible care close to home.

DOC TALK: DR. EILEEN SACKS

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do here at GBGH?

My name is Dr. Eileen Sacks, and I am a General Surgeon at GBGH. I perform a wide range of procedures, including hernia repairs, gallbladder surgery, colon cancer surgery, and minor skin procedures. I also specialize in breast cancer surgery and have been working here since 2010.

Can you share a moment that reminds you why you do what you do?

Unfortunately, I often meet patients at a very difficult time, when they’ve just been diagnosed with cancer. But I’m able to help guide them through their tests and treatment decisions, hold their hand as they go to sleep for surgery, and reassure them that they’re receiving the best possible care here at GBGH.

I know this is a time filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. What makes me so proud to work at GBGH is seeing how our entire OR team comes together, not only to provide excellent clinical care, but to truly care for each patient and their family. It’s in the small but meaningful moments: offering warm blankets, welcoming family into the Recovery Room, or sharing a laugh to help ease tension and stress.

I love coming to work with these incredible nurses every day because I know my patients are in the best hands. Together, we’re able to make a very scary experience feel just a little bit lighter.

In 2026, GBGH will open a new Mammography program and begin offering a full-range of diagnostic breast services for our community. How will this tie into your practice & specialty?

This is a huge game-changer for my practice and my patients. Having state-of-the-art breast imaging and diagnostic procedures at GBGH will dramatically reduce wait times for biopsies of concerning breast masses.

It also makes surgery easier because some of the procedures needed before surgery can be done locally rather than at the regional cancer centre. Having radiologists on-site every day also makes it easier to collaborate on more complex cases, helping us provide more coordinated care for our patients.

The hospital is looking for funding for a Navigator Probe. What is it, and why is it so important?

The Navigator Probe is a handheld tool surgeons use to find the specific lymph nodes that need to be tested during cancer surgery.

Before surgery, a small, safe tracer is placed near the tumour. This travels to the first lymph nodes it would reach, called “sentinel” lymph nodes, which are the most likely place cancer would spread. During the operation, the probe detects that tracer, guiding the surgeon directly to those nodes. This allows us to remove and test only the lymph nodes at highest risk instead of removing many unnecessarily.

By limiting how many lymph nodes are removed, we reduce the risk of lymphedema, a chronic swelling that can occur when the body’s drainage system is disrupted.

At the same time, this approach gives us the important information we need to determine whether additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, are needed.

How important is donor support to your ability to care for your patients?

Donor support is absolutely essential. Without it, I simply couldn’t do my job.

As a surgeon, I rely on advanced imaging and specialized tools every day to provide safe, high-quality care. Having access to modern equipment in our Operating Room and Endoscopy Suite makes all the difference for our patients.

Because of you, we’re able to invest in these critical tools and technologies. Your generosity directly impacts the care we can provide, helping ensure every patient receives the best possible treatment close to home.

Thank you, Dr. Sacks, for sharing your expertise and for the compassionate care you provide to patients and families every day.

The technology and equipment our physicians rely on isn’t funded by the government. It’s made possible through the generosity of donors who believe in strengthening health care for our community. Together, we’re helping ensure patients can access advanced surgical care, innovative technology, and excellent care close to home for generations to come.

Cedar Ridge BBQ Raises $174,085 to Support Mammography at GBGH

Our community came together once again at this year’s Cedar Ridge BBQ, raising an incredible $174,085 in support of the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation and its efforts to bring Mammography services to the Midland hospital.

What began years ago as a casual backyard gathering hosted by John and Margaret Leonardo has grown into a cherished annual tradition, rallying friends, neighbours, and local businesses around an important cause. This year’s event featured 74 auction items — more than double from last year — and raised an incredible $36,610 through the auction alone.

“This was by far our biggest and most meaningful year yet,” shared Margaret Leonardo. “Breast cancer runs in my family, and I lost my sister to it many years ago. Supporting mammography at GBGH is incredibly close to my heart, and knowing that this will help others get the care they need, close to home, means everything. We’re so proud of what this event has become and so grateful to everyone who contributed.”

This year’s impact was amplified by a generous $75,000 match gift from local donors Marc Wayne and Julie Coleman, whose support inspired even more generosity from the community.

The event has also received loyal support from the Penetanguishene Lions Club, who provided the BBQ meal for attendees and contributed a $2,000 donation to the cause.

“As someone who understands first-hand the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis, I know just how vital it is to have access to care close to home,” says Nicole Kraftscik, CEO of the GBGH Foundation. “Thanks to the incredible generosity behind the Cedar Ridge BBQ and the support of our entire community, we are now within reach of bringing mammography to GBGH. I’m deeply grateful to the event organizers, donors, bidders, and everyone who showed up to make this year such a success.”

The Cedar Ridge BBQ has now raised a cumulative total of $323,585 over three years in support of GBGH.

Funds raised through the event are helping the Foundation close the final gap in funding needed to launch mammography services at GBGH, expected to open in early 2026. The program will include 2D and 3D imaging, stereotactic biopsies, and wire localizations — ensuring better access and faster diagnoses for patients throughout the region.

To learn more about the GBGH mammography project or to make a donation, please click here.