Sarasota Memorial Health Care System has announced the appointment of surgical oncologist Russell Novak, M.D., F.A.C.S., as its Breast Program director for the hospital’s new Cancer Institute. A board-certified general surgeon with specialized expertise in the treatment of benign tumors and malignancies of the breast, Novak has practiced in Sarasota since 1986 and held multiple leadership positions at Sarasota Memorial over the years, including serving on the Medical Executive Committee and as past chief of surgery. As director of the Sarasota Memorial Cancer Institute Breast Program, Novak will lead a multidisciplinary team of community breast oncology specialists and surgeons responsible for establishing care pathways and implementing the latest innovations in breast cancer treatment.