Lori A. Alfonse, DO

Deputy Physician in Chief, Cancer Institute

Surgical Oncology

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Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Accepting New Patients

Lehigh Valley Physician Group

Specialties
Surgical Oncology
Conditions treated
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Services offered
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Area of focus ?
Breast cancers, Benign disorders of the breast
LVHN Affiliates
Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence
Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute
Languages spoken
English, English

Dr. Alfonse's Locations

Conditions Dr. Alfonse Treats

  • BRCA positive
  • Breast Cancer
  • Breast Diseases
  • Breast Hypoplasia
  • Breast Lump
  • Breast Problems
  • Cancer

About Dr. Alfonse

Philosophy of care

I pride myself on taking care of people, not diseases or body parts.

People come with histories, belief systems, truths and misconceptions about their diagnoses based on their prior experiences and those of others. I try to understand and appreciate where they’re coming from and all aspects of their life when treating them.

A cancer diagnosis can be frightening, and I don’t take that lightly. Patients allow me into their lives at what may be the scariest time ever for them. I try to include the family in treatment because family is important and the diagnosis involves everybody, not just one person.

I’m a member of the breast cancer multidisciplinary consultation team. Together, we review your diagnostic information and give you a written opinion reflecting the scope of your condition and recommendations for your best course of care. 

Why I entered medicine

I was born and raised in Allentown, and Lehigh Valley Health Network has been part of my family as long as I can remember.

I grew up on the South Side of Allentown, not far from the LVH–Cedar Crest campus when it was a single building in what seemed the middle of a cornfield. My mother was treated for breast and lung cancer there. My father was treated for Legionnaire’s disease there. My brother was treated there for osteochondrosarcoma, a bone and cartilage cancer. I came from a family of blue-collar workers and nobody had been to college, but my family’s experience with cancer and disease inspired me to go to medical school and become a cancer surgeon.

Community involvement

I’m part of anything affiliated with breast cancer fundraising. I don’t belong to a lot of philanthropic organizations outside the hospital, but I participate in any activities the hospital sponsors, particularly when they’re related to breast cancer.

Personal interests

I collect shoes, and have for many years. Some are vintage or from notable designers who people might know from various TV shows, like Manolo Blahnik. I have a room in my home just for shoes, but they’re not strictly for display – I wear them every day.

As a woman in medicine who takes care of predominantly women, this is something fun I can share. In fact, I’ve become known for it, so new patients often look first at my feet to see what I’m wearing! I also enjoy Peloton, which is a type of stationary exercise bike with a large screen that allows you to connect with a community of users. It’s like a fitness Facebook except everybody doesn’t know all your business. My username is HellonHeelz.

Education

Undergraduate
Pennsylvania State University, BA - Communications, 1989

Undergraduate
Pennsylvania State University, Post Baccalaureate - Medical School Curriculum, 1997

Medical Training
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO - Doctor of Osteopathy, 2001

Training

Internship 2002
Mercy Suburban Hospital, Norristown, PA

Residency 2003
General Surgery, Mercy Suburban Hospital, Norristown, PA

Residency 2004
General Surgery, Mercy Suburban Hospital, Norristown, PA

Chief Administrative Resident 2005
General Surgery, Mercy Suburban Hospital, Norristown, PA

Chief Resident 2006
General Surgery, Mercy Suburban Hospital, Norristown, PA

Fellowship 2007
Breast Surgery, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, PA

Certifications

American Osteopathic Board of Surgery - General Surgery

Ratings and Reviews

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About our Survey

Our physicians and advanced practice clinicians (CRNPs and PA-Cs) are among the nation's best. That's why we show you patient satisfaction ratings and comments so you can read about and get to know our providers through the eyes of their patients.

To ensure our ratings and comments come only from verified patients, we work with NRC Health, a third-party organization. NRC Health sends patient satisfaction surveys on LVPG's behalf following an office visit or procedure. They ask patients about their impression of the health care provider and the doctor's or advanced practice clinician's communication skills.

What is included in the star rating?

Star ratings are based on a scale of 1-5 stars, 5 being the best. The rating includes responses to these provider-related questions:

  1. Physician Communication Questions
    1. Did this provider give you enough information about your health and treatment?
    2. Did this provider give you easy to understand information about your health questions and concerns?
    3. Did this provider listen carefully to you?
    4. Did this provider seem to know your medical history?
    5. Did you trust this provider with your care?
  2. Overall Provider Rating Question
    1. Using any number from 0 to 10, where 0 is the worst provider possible and 10 is the best provider possible, what number would you use to rate this provider?

Why don't all doctors or advanced practice clinicians have a rating?

In order to have enough data to measure and compare, a health care provider must have at least 30 completed patient satisfaction surveys. Surveys are included for a period of 12 months from submission.

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