Dr. FANCY GAETE, HOSPITAL SANTIAGO ORIENTE DR. LUIS TISNÉ BROUSSE, Chile
Dr. Fancy Gaete Verdejo is a renowned anatomopathologist with 26 years of experience in Chile’s public healthcare system. As a pioneer in breast cancer diagnostics, she established the national reference center for the in situ hybridization technique for HER2 testing, which has been operational since 2011. In 2022, she transitioned from the manual FISH HER2 technique to the automated DISH HER2 method, integrating digital pathology and AI algorithms. This innovation led to a 13.02% reduction in costs, an 83.86% improvement in response time, and an 11.29% increase in productivity. Dr. Gaete is actively involved in the advancement of pathology practices and plays a leadership role as the President of the Chilean Society of Pathological Anatomy and the Chilean Society of Mastology.
Professional Profile
Scopus
Assessment of Suitability for the Research for Women Researcher Award
Summary of Suitability
Dr. Fancy Gaete Verdejo exemplifies an exceptional commitment to advancing research and innovation in pathology, specifically breast cancer diagnostics, within the Chilean public health system. Her pioneering efforts to centralize the HER2 in situ hybridization technique have significantly impacted breast cancer pathology in Chile. By introducing the automated DISH HER2 technique integrated with digital pathology and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, she has revolutionized diagnostic efficiency, reducing costs by 13.02%, cutting response times by 83.86%, and improving productivity by 11.29%.
Dr. Verdejo’s leadership in developing a national reference center for HER2 analysis has not only elevated the quality of public healthcare but also fostered a data-driven approach to diagnostics. Her dedication to reducing healthcare disparities through affordable and accessible diagnostic innovations underscores her suitability for this award. Moreover, her current roles as President of the Chilean Society of Pathological Anatomy and the Chilean Society of Mastology further highlight her influence and commitment to the field.
Education
Dr. Gaete completed her medical studies at the University of Chile, where she specialized in Anatomopathology. Her passion for advancing medical diagnostics led her to focus on molecular pathology, particularly in breast cancer. She further honed her skills by obtaining advanced training in digital pathology and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, ensuring she stayed at the forefront of technological innovations in the field. Throughout her career, Dr. Gaete has pursued continuous education, contributing significantly to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in public health systems. Her work has not only reshaped breast cancer diagnostic processes but has also inspired others in the field to incorporate AI and digital tools to improve healthcare outcomes.
Professional Experience
Dr. Fancy Gaete Verdejo has dedicated over 26 years of service in the Chilean public healthcare system. As an anatomopathologist, she has specialized in the diagnosis of breast cancer, implementing groundbreaking techniques and driving efficiency in pathology labs. In 2011, she established the national reference center for HER2 in situ hybridization in breast cancer, advancing diagnostic capabilities. Dr. Gaete’s work became more impactful in 2022 when she led the transition from manual FISH HER2 testing to an automated DISH HER2 method, integrating digital pathology with AI algorithms. This transition dramatically improved the turnaround time, reduced costs, and enhanced productivity within the system. Beyond her technical expertise, Dr. Gaete holds leadership roles in major Chilean medical societies, such as the Chilean Society of Pathological Anatomy and the Chilean Society of Mastology, where she contributes to the shaping of national health policies.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Gaete’s pioneering contributions have earned her numerous accolades throughout her distinguished career. She has been recognized for her role in advancing breast cancer diagnostics in Chile, particularly through her development of the national reference center for HER2 in situ hybridization. Her innovative work in integrating digital pathology with AI has also been widely acknowledged for improving diagnostic accuracy and system efficiency. Additionally, Dr. Gaete’s leadership in the Chilean Society of Pathological Anatomy (President 2023-2026) and the Chilean Society of Mastology (President 2024-2026) reflects the esteem in which she is held by her peers. These positions have enabled her to influence national healthcare policies and standards in pathology and oncology. Her work has also led to several collaborations with international institutions, further expanding her impact on the global healthcare community.
Research Skills On Medicine
Dr. Gaete is an expert in anatomical pathology with a deep focus on molecular and digital pathology, particularly in breast cancer. Her research skills include a solid understanding of diagnostic techniques, data analysis, and the integration of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital imaging into pathology workflows. She excels in evaluating the economic impact of medical technologies, particularly in healthcare systems. Her research has significantly influenced the adoption of digital pathology and AI in Chile, demonstrating how these tools can optimize diagnostic precision and efficiency. Furthermore, Dr. Gaete is highly skilled in research management, leading both academic and industry collaborations. Her work has contributed to the publication of influential studies on the cost-effectiveness of healthcare technologies, such as her ongoing research on the economic impact of integrative digital pathology in public breast cancer diagnostics.
Publication Top Notes
- Impact of the Chilean explicit guarantees health system (GES) on breast cancer treatment | Resultados del tratamiento del cáncer de mama, programa nacional de cáncer del adulto
- Authors: Castillo, C.S.M., Cabrera, M.E.C., Derio P., L., Gaete V., F., Cavada CH., G.
- Journal: Revista Medica de Chile
- Year: 2017
- Volume: 145(12)
- Pages: 1507–1513
- Citations: 14
- Spontaneous quadruplet pregnancy. A challenge for the multidisciplinary team in a health service | Gestación cuádruple espontánea. Un desafío para el equipo multidisciplinario en un servicio de salud
- Authors: Salgado M., E., Lattus O., J., Barrera C., V., Fritis L., A., Gaete V., F.
- Journal: Revista Chilena de Obstetricia y Ginecologia
- Year: 2006
- Volume: 71(1)
- Pages: 35–42
- Citations: 1
- Jejunal diverticulosis as cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhages. Case report | Diverticulosis yeyunal: Una causa infrecuente de hemorragia digestiva. Caso clínico
- Authors: Zapata L., R., Rojas S., C., Gaete V., F.
- Journal: Revista Medica de Chile
- Year: 2000
- Volume: 128(10)
- Pages: 1133–1138
- Citations: 4