I always knew I wanted to be a physician, but I first became interested in oncology during my undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado. I worked the night shift as a nursing aide on an oncology floor and felt inspired by the strength and vulnerability of patients struggling with their diagnosis and side effects. My interest in oncology continued during medical school at Albany Medical College and into residency and fellowship at Dartmouth. During fellowship, I was challenged by the complexity and difficulty in understanding multiple myeloma as a provider. Trying to understand and convey these complexities to patients motivated me to know more and work harder; my dedication to the disease became a career driver. Currently, I am the clinical director of the multiple myeloma program at the University of Rochester. In the laboratory and in the clinic, I am focused on improving the care of patients with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell dyscrasias. Treatment options and our understanding of multiple myeloma have changed dramatically in the last 10 years. The rapid pace of change, intrinsic disease complexity, and the ability to impact patient lives still leaves me amazed and humbled every day. 
I believe that it's important to know my patients as individuals to understand the situational circumstance and personality that drives their treatment goals. Multiple myeloma is a lifelong journey and a strong partnership with my patients is essential to achieving the best quality of care. I have a strong interest in clinical research and like to offer my patients a variety of clinical trial options and treatments based on the most recent data. I have a dedicated support team, so that we can offer patients a team with real myeloma-specific expertise.

In my research laboratory, I am particularly interested in understanding the mechanisms that allow multiple myeloma to develop. By studying disease progression, my ultimate goal is to develop therapies to prevent multiple myeloma.

Outside of work, I love to travel, and grow things -- flowers, vegetables, orchids, animals, children. I have gotten some of my best gardening tips from my patients.


Assoc. Prof. Brea Lipe has received financial support/sponsorship for research support, consultation, or speaker fees from the following companies: