Health pro: Helping women keep femininity

Nicole Karbowski is a Mastectomy Fitter for Health First Medical Equipment in West Melbourne.

Q: Why did you go into this career?

A: I went into the mastectomy training program to make a difference in the lives of women who have fought and are currently fighting breast cancer, and the variety of lifestyle changes that occur. I wanted the opportunity to offer kindness, compassion and help in a time of pain and confusion.

Q: What services do you provide?

A: We offer a variety of mastectomy products to include post-surgical garments, bras and head wraps. I will offer individual consult and fitting appointments.

Health pro: Helping women feel their best

Q: What makes this area of medicine fulfilling for you?

A: I am able to aid women in the area of restoring femininity. Breast cancer can strip a woman of nearly everything that gives a woman her femininity — her hair, her breasts and, at times, her ability to have children. If I can make the difference in one woman’s life in helping restore her self-image and confidence while offering a sense of peace and hope, then it is more than fulfilling.

Q: When did you realize this was the right medical career path for you?

A: God has a way of leading me down unimaginable paths that I would never have imagined for myself. When the opportunity arose to go into this field, I realized it was right for me when I felt so overwhelmed by compassion that I could not contain not only the tears that arose, but I also could not contain the passion that stirred in my heart to get involved and help.

Q: What’s the latest advancement in your field that will benefit patients?

A: Our Amoena products feature Outlast which was originally developed for NASA to protect astronauts from extreme temperature fluctuations. Outlast materials absorb excess body heat when you create too much and release it when you need it most and have been awarded with the “Certified Space Technology” seal of approval.

Q: What is your best advice for current and potential patients?

A: My best advice would be to take a deep breath, be as comfortable as you can, and be honest with your expectations and needs. I am here for you, and my desire is to work with you and for you to help you obtain your goals.

Have a suggestion for the Know Your Health Care Professional feature? Contact Wayne T. Price at 321-242-3658 or wprice@floridaytoday. com.

Health pro: Knowing the heart inside and out

Know your Health Pro

Name: Nicole Karbowski

Where you’re based: Health First Medical Equipment

Education: Attended Florida College; graduated from the Medical Assistant Program at Everest University; recently certified through American Breast Care (ABC) for Mastectomy Fitting

Professional background: I have worked with Health First Medical Equipment in both the Customer Service and CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Department for over the last three years. I have recently moved into a new role as a Mastectomy Fitter.

Address: 1131 W. New Haven Ave., Suite 101, West Melbourne

Contact: 321.434.3400

On the Web: health-first.org