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PHILADELPHIA -- For Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital's new staff gynecologist, working with breast cancer patients has special meaning.

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Dr. Taffy Anderson was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly three years ago. In January 2002, she received chemotherapy treatment. She is doing very well.

"As a breast cancer survivor, I think I my perspective and personal experience can be very helpful to patients," said Dr. Anderson. "In many cases, it has helped patients let their guard down and open up to me."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBQjPFJNDQE

Dr. Anderson's experience as a gynecologist and breast cancer survivor comes together in a book she is currently writing, "Secrets in the Darkness: An OB/GYN's Journey Through Breast Cancer."

She sees working at Mercy Fitzgerald as a perfect fit for her practice and for her writing.

"In my book, I examine the mind, body and spirit connection and how the three came together in my healing process," said Dr. Anderson.

In her new role at Mercy Fitzgerald, Dr. Anderson sees her practice as a way to channel women in to other services.

"In many cases, a woman's gynecologist is really her primary physician. When they come in to see me, they might talk about a chest pain they've had recently. I can then refer them to one of our cardiologists."

Dr. Anderson has been practicing medicine for more than 10 years. Her experience includes work at Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia (formerly Misercordia) and Pennsylvania Hospital.

For more than 70 years, Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital has been serving the community with superior care and positive patient experiences. Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital is part of Mercy Health System, a member of Catholic Health East.

Mercy Health System is an integrated system providing comprehensive healthcare services to people in all stages of life. Mercy Health System includes four acute-care hospitals, a continuing care center, several ambulatory care centers, physician practices, two skilled nursing facilities, an independent living facility, a home healthcare company and managed care plans.