Dr. Lauren Kopicky, DO, FACOS, FACS
Fellowship-trained Breast Surgical Oncologist | Assistant Professor of Surgery, Cleveland Clinic
Education
Medical School: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: General Surgery, Arnot Ogden Medical Center
Fellowship: Breast Surgical Oncology, Oakland University William Beaumont Hospital
Awards & Honors
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
Assistant Professor of Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Areas of Expertise
Breast Cancer Surgery
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Hidden Scar Techniques
Breast Conservation
Nipple sparing Mastectomy
Ultrasound guided breast biopsies
Goldilocks Mastectomy Reconstruction
Aesthetic Flat Closure
Benign Breast Disease
Certifications & Licensure
Board Certified in General Surgery (American Osteopathic Board of Surgery, 2018)
Certified in Breast Ultrasound, American Society of Breast Surgeons
Years of Experience
Over 7 years of experience
Biography
Dr. Lauren Kopicky is a fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist whose expertise and compassion shine through in every aspect of her care. At Cleveland Clinic, she specializes in advanced techniques such as sentinel lymph node biopsy, ultrasound-guided localization, and the Goldilocks mastectomy—an option that blends cancer removal with aesthetics and comfort for women seeking a “just-right” approach to reconstruction.
Certified in Breast Ultrasound by the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Dr. Kopicky performs highly precise, image-guided procedures that help reduce repeat surgeries and support better outcomes. She also brings a forward-thinking approach to emerging treatments like cryoablation, reflecting her commitment to advancing less invasive, patient-centered care.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Kopicky is a passionate educator. She mentors the next generation of surgeons, speaks on national stages, and connects with patients worldwide through podcasts and webinars. Her voice is clear, compassionate, and deeply trusted—helping demystify complex topics like sentinel-node surgery and reconstruction so patients feel informed and empowered.
At Learn Look Locate, Dr. Kopicky is already making an impact as a critical voice in breast surgery education. She helps guide patients through options with warmth and clarity, ensuring that no one faces these decisions alone. We are so honored to have her as part of our mission to educate, empower, and support patients worldwide.
Professional Training & Involvement
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
American Society of Breast Surgeons
Society of Surgical Oncology
Association of Women Surgeons
Publications
- Chichura A, Chen X, Nelis M, Kopicky L, Wei W, Ali A, Tendulkar R, Al-Hilli Z. Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy is Associated with Worse 5-Year Overall Survival in Patients with Metaplastic Breast Cancer Compared to Primary Surgery: A National Cancer Database Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025. In press.
- Kopicky, D. Pratt. Ablative Therapies for Early-Stage Breast Cancer. Curr Breast Cancer Rep(2025). Accepted for publication 7/2025.
- Connors C, Valente SA, ElSherif A, Escobar P, Chichura A, Kopicky L, Roesch E, Ritner J, McIntire P, Wu Y, Tu C, Lang JE. Real-World Outcomes with the KEYNOTE-522 Regimen in Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol. 2024 Oct 22. doi: 10.1245/s10434-024-16390-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39436619.
- Kopicky L, Fan B, Valente SA. Intraoperative evaluation of surgical margins in breast cancer. Semin Diagn Pathol. Published online June 26, 2024. doi:10.1053/j.semdp.2024.06.005
- Kopicky, L.M., Pratt, D.A. Cryoablation and Breast Disease. Curr Breast Cancer Rep(2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-024-00561-2.
- Kopicky L, Shemmeri N, Gulati R. Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Breast: An Aggressive Tumor. ACS Case Reviews in Surgery. 2018;2(2):63–67.
featured Articles
Goldilocks Mastectomy Recovery: What to Expect Week by Week
Recovery from any breast surgery is a deeply personal experience. But knowing what to expect — week by week — can make the process feel less like the unknown and more like a path you can walk with confidence
Goldilocks vs. DIEP Flap vs. Implants: Which Reconstruction Is Right for You?
Am I a Candidate for the Goldilocks Mastectomy
One of the first questions women ask when they hear about the Goldilocks mastectomy is: ‘Could this work for me?’ It’s the right question — and the honest answer is that candidacy is personal, nuanced, and best confirmed with a surgeon experienced in the technique.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy vs Axillary Dissection: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the difference between a sentinel lymph node biopsy and an axillary lymph node dissection can help you feel more prepared and less overwhelmed as you move forward.
Featured Interview
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Lymph Nodes and Staging
Testimonial
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