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When Huntsman Cancer Institute at the opened its doors, Breanne Eddington, MPH, MS, PA-C, was among its first volunteers, immersing herself in the environment that would shape her future. Internships deepened her understanding of the field and her commitment to its challenges and rewards. During her time in school, she completed clinical rotations at the cancer hospital, further solidifying her bond with what she saw as a special place. Today, nearly a decade into her career as a physician assistant, she reflects on what it means to come full circle.
“One of my most memorable days was when a family member told me that I made a negative time more personable and manageable for them,” Breanne says. “It’s moments like those that remind me why I chose this path.”
The most profound experiences often occur during end-of-life care. Breanne recalls sitting with a patient who was passing away without any family present. “I sat with her all night,” she remembers. “In those quiet moments, I had time to reflect. It reassures me that I’m where I’m meant to be.”
Beyond the Medicine
Oncology is as much about emotional support as it is about medical expertise. Families often arrive overwhelmed and scared. “You put your own stuff aside and listen,” Breanne explains. “Comforting them and being present is so much more than just the medical side of things.” These special, often intimate moments underscore the beauty within the challenges.
The work isn’t easy. “Oncology is very difficult,” Breanne admits. “But if you have a passion for something and give it your everything, it makes the rewards that much greater.” For her, the beauty of the job often reveals itself during the toughest days. She finds joy in the simplest victories: a family member arriving in time, a patient breathing more easily, or pain coming to an end.
In addition to working with patients, Breanne finds one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is training new employees and passing on the values of compassion and excellence that have defined her journey. Whether working in in-patient medical oncology, neuro-oncology, or guiding transitions in end-of-life care, her focus remains on the human side of medicine.
Paying Tribute Through Work
When Joanne Barkley passed away from bladder cancer in July 1997, she left a profound legacy of love, laughter, and inspiration. Breanne was just 10 years old at the time and found her life forever changed by the loss. Today she honors her grandmother’s memory by striving to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families, much like one extraordinary physician did for her family nearly 30 years ago.
Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and in Joanne’s case, it arrived uninvited and unrelenting. The early stages of her care were marred by negative experiences at another facility. It wasn’t until she was referred to Saundra Buys, MD, that the family experienced a shift—one rooted in genuine compassion and patient-centered care.
“Dr. Buys was the first person who truly cared about my grandma as a person,” Breanne recalls. “She told her to eat all the ice cream she wanted. That simple act of kindness had such a profound impact on my grandma and our family.” For a young child witnessing the struggles of illness and the disparities in care, this interaction planted a seed. From that moment, Breanne made the decision to dedicate her life to oncology and improve the experiences of others.
Joanne’s memory continues to guide and inspire Breanne’s approach to care. “I’d love for her to see me as a compassionate person who genuinely cares about every patient,” she says. “I don’t take a single day for granted. I hope she’d be proud that I turned a negative experience into a positive force for others.”
The advances in cancer treatment since Joanne’s time are remarkable. Back then, treatment options were limited. Today, there is a much larger team of oncologists and researchers, and Huntsman Cancer Institute has grown exponentially. Despite this growth, one constant remains: the commitment to patient-centered care exemplified by Dr. Buys.
Learning from a Legend
Dr. Buys holds a special place in this journey. “She listened. She didn’t push us aside, even though my grandma’s cancer was so far along. She comforted my grandfather and took time to make sure we all felt heard,” Breanne recalls. Years later, the opportunity to work alongside Dr. Buys felt surreal. “She’s someone I’ve always looked up to—a phenomenal human being and provider. It’s an honor to learn from her.”
Reflecting on her best day at work, Breanne recalls seeing Dr. Buys and feeling it was the right moment to share her story. “Most people don’t know my background,” she says. “I wanted to express my appreciation for the opportunity I’ve been given.”
Today, Dr. Buys continues to guide the next generation, joining in-patient rounds where Breanne formulates tailored care plans for each patient. “The opportunity to collaborate with her reinforces everything I strive to be as a provider,” she says.
Finding Joy Amid the Challenges
The ups and downs of a career in oncology have shaped Breanne into the provider she is today. “Each experience has contributed to my growth,” she reflects. “The toughest days show the true beauty of this work.”
Joanne Barkley’s laughter, zest for life, and willingness to explore new things live on through Breanne. Every interaction, every moment of compassion, is a tribute to Joanne’s memory and the values she embodied.
And through it all, Breanne’s purpose remains clear: to provide others with the same care and compassion that once transformed her own family’s experience.