Dr. Lauren Shikowitz-Behr is passionate about supporting and empowering patients before, during, and after breast reconstruction surgery. She is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has trained in the most up-to-date reconstruction techniques.

Inspired by the women she helps, Dr. Shikowitz-Behr is dedicated to providing the best possible patient experience. She shows great compassion for her patients, and her warm demeanor helps women feel supported in even the most challenging circumstances.

Dr. Shikowitz-Behr routinely gives back to her local community and has volunteered at the Cystic Fibrosis Center at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. A natural leader, she also co-founded Teens Against Cancer (TAC), to raise funds and awareness for cancer.

She is proud to be a part of the Friedman Center and to represent the future of breast reconstruction and patient-focused care.

“Dr. Shikowitz was just amazing. She listened to me, took her time explaining & has exceptional bedside manner!”

Education

  • Fellowship in Reconstructive and Aesthetic Breast Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Residency in Integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Chief Resident, Hofstra University
  • MD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • BA, New York University
SENIOR SURGICAL COORDINATOR

Nicole Bongiorno

Nicole strives to improve the patient experience each and every day by getting to know her patients in advance and assisting them with scheduling. She loves helping people and takes pride in making sure that each patient is educated and understands their next steps and surgical plan before they leave the office. Nicole loves spending time with her two god daughters and listening to country music. She has been to over 30 concerts so far!
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Kelly Hinton

Kelly enjoys working with her patients and finds it gratifying to see women transform through breast surgery. She enjoys working in the operating room alongside Dr. Shikowitz-Behr and finds it equally rewarding to see patients before and after surgery in the office. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
SENIOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT GREAT NECK, NY LOCATION

Pashmena Ahmadi

Pashmena is a Senior Physician Assistant with extensive experience working alongside our entire team of breast and plastic surgeons in our Great Neck, NY location.

Pashmena ends every patient conversation by asking, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” and plays a key role in supporting patients through diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, ensuring a seamless clinical experience. She assists our surgeons with preoperative and postoperative assessments, creates treatment plans, and coordinates care. As a member of our team since 2012, she finds caring for patients both intellectually and emotionally fulfilling. Pashmena is also specially trained in performing 3D nipple-areola tattooing and enjoys supporting patients in their reconstructive and healing journey. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she is also involved in training and mentoring staff to uphold high standards of care. Pashmena enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.
SENIOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT HUNTINGTON, NY LOCATION

Kelly Whalen

Kelly enjoys building relationships with her patients, from the time of initial diagnosis through the completion of their reconstruction. She works to help patients feel comfortable and informed during each and every visit—whether taking them through a stressful situation or listening to their concerns. In her role as Senior Physician Assistant in our Huntington office, she works alongside Dr. Mark Smith, Dr. Adam Perry, Dr. Neil Tanna, Dr. Shikowitz-Behr, and Dr. Tessa Campbell, where she also performs 3D tattoos. Kelly is also a Certified Wound Specialist and ensures her patients receive the highest standard of care. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys running, spending time with her family and her dog, and singing at her church.
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