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In 1999, a pivotal opportunity emerged that would significantly advance the breast care landscape in Annapolis, Maryland. Dr. Lorraine Tafra seized that opportunity. Arriving from a university hospital where she practiced the full scope of surgical oncology, she founded what would become a leading breast center—starting with nothing more than a nurse in a cubicle.

From the beginning, Dr. Tafra held a clear vision: breast care should be designed around the patient. She reimagined every step of the journey—prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship—through the patient’s perspective. She quickly assembled a team dedicated to creating a personalized, seamless care pathway for each individual, benefiting not only patients but also physicians and staff.

Over the next 24 years, that vision transformed into remarkable growth and impact. The breast center—now the Rebecca Fortney Breast Center—expanded into a nationally recognized program. It grew from managing fewer than 50 breast cancer cases annually to more than 800, and increased its market share from under 5% to over 85%.

Along the way, the program:

• Established the first breast fellowship in Maryland

• Trained numerous surgical oncology fellows and research residents from institutions such as Johns Hopkins and Walter Reed

• Built a robust research program

• Published extensively and presented nationally

• Mentored breast programs across the country and internationally

Throughout this journey, Dr. Tafra partnered with several administrative leaders. Among them, one stood out: Linda Solarek. Combining integrity, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering determination—as well as the perspective of a breast cancer survivor—Linda was deeply committed to creating an exceptional patient experience.

Bringing valuable business expertise from outside the medical field, she introduced innovative approaches to care delivery. Together, Dr. Tafra and Linda elevated the program to new heights—integrating innovation, improving efficiency, and accelerating growth beyond previous expectations.

At a defining moment, they recognized the broader potential of their work: to positively impact breast care on a national scale. That realization led to the creation of Breast Care Architects.

Today, they are joined by a team of nationally recognized breast disease leaders and experts who share this mission. By mentoring programs across the country, fostering patient-centered cultures, and replicating proven success models, Breast Care Architects is helping reshape the future of breast care.