Mirela Mariana Roman

Chief Breast Cancer Surgeon / Head of Clinic

As a breast cancer surgeon and head of clinic, I am dedicated to providing precise, compassionate surgical care and unwavering support to my patients. I accompany each woman from diagnosis through treatment, follow-up, and, when necessary, palliative care—listening, guiding, and standing beside her throughout the journey. I lead a multidisciplinary team with commitment and empathy, ensuring collaboration and excellence for the best patient outcomes. My mission is not only to treat cancer but also to promote awareness, prevention, and early detection, educate women about risk factors, and help them listen to their bodies. By combining surgical expertise, leadership, and humanity, I strive to improve care quality and women’s lives at every stage.

• Member of a multidisciplinary medical team, fostering collaboration and shared decision-making.
• Breast cancer research and innovation, with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
• Patient education and advocacy, promoting awareness and empowerment.
• Medical ethics and women’s health, ensuring respect, empathy, and equity in care.
• Teaching and mentoring, guiding young doctors and residents.
• Volunteering and humanitarian activities, reflecting commitment to social responsibility.
• Travel and cultural exchange, encouraging open-mindedness and adaptability.

• Certificate in Medical and Insurance Expertise – Ongoing

Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Belgium – 2025 Advanced program focused on medical expertise, insurance evaluation, and legal responsibility in healthcare practice.

• MIT Sloan School of Management (USA)

Artificial Intelligence in Health Care — Executive Education Certificate, 17 Sep 2025

Topics: clinical ML/AI, data strategy, regulation & ethics, implementation pathways, ROI & change management.

Skills: AI project scoping, stakeholder alignment, evaluation metrics, risk & bias mitigation.

• University of Cambridge – UK (2025)

Leading Sustainability: High Impact Leadership – Certificate

• EUCAPA (European Congress of Adapted Physical Activity) – Austria (June 11–13, 2024)

Extended Training: Modeling Approaches for HTA – A Practical Hands-On Workshop, Hall in Tirol.

• ABSYM (2023-2024)

Medical Management Training and Basic Expertise in Judicial Medicine

• Certificate in Judicial Expertise – Basic Training

Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Belgium – 2023– 2024

Foundational course in judicial and medico-legal expertise, covering expert procedures, report writing, and ethical responsibilities in legal contexts.

• European School of Oncology – E-ESO (2023)

Writing Methodology Course: How to Produce High-Quality Research Papers – Certificate

• Université libre de Bruxelles – Campus du Solbosch (February 2019)

Workshop: Oral Communication in Academic Conferences

• Université libre de Bruxelles – ULB (2019)

Project Management Training

• IRCAD Strasbourg – France (May 28–30, 2018)

Gynecological Surgery Course: Gynecological Cancer and Laparoscopic Approach – State of the Art

• Université libre de Bruxelles – ULB (2014–2015)

Continuing Education: Certificate in Evidence-Based Medicine

• Choibalsan, Mongolia – Asia (June 12–22, 2011)

Humanitarian Surgical Mission: Surgical Techniques Training – Development and Humanitarian Aid Program

University and Higher Education Teaching (in reverse chronological order):

National Coordinator (Belgium) – HORIZON VINCI 2025 Project (Horizon Europe – Health, under submission)
Coordination of Belgian participation, partner identification, proposal drafting, and liaison with international consortium partners.

Lecturer – Physiotherapy Course, Haute École Paul-Henri Spaak, Libramont, Belgium
November 21–23, 2024
May 12–14, 2022

Thesis Supervisor and Jury Member

Clinical Supervision and Teaching Experience at Institut Jules Bordet and CHU Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium

Pedagogical Support Activities: student guidance, remediation sessions, and academic mentoring

Member of Final Thesis Jury (TFE) – Department of Nursing, Haute École Vinci (ISG)

Professional Training: medical management, project management, and judicial expertise (UCLouvain, ULB)

Involvement in European Programs: collaboration with the European Commission 

Invited Participant – High-Level Meeting: “Accelerating Progress Towards the EU’s Goal of Eliminating HPV Cancers”
European Parliament, Brussels & Online – 15 July 2025
Participation in a policy roundtable on European strategies for the elimination of HPV-related cancers.

Invited Expert Speaker – Panel Contributor
EU Breast Cancer Roundtable, Brussels, Europe – 25 June 2025
Participated in a high-level policy roundtable on European breast cancer strategies (ICPS, ECIBC, European Commission).
Contributed expert recommendations for inclusion in the European Health Policy Report.

Invited Expert Panelist – Speaker on High-Level Policy Panel
World Cancer Series: Europe 2025, Brussels – 10–11 June 2025
Panel: Implementing Aspirations for Cancer Control (The Economist Impact)
Delivered an expert intervention on cancer control policies, innovation, artificial intelligence, and care coordinationin the European health context.

Invited Participant – Breast Health Day 2025 and 2024
European Breast Cancer Advocacy Event – Europe 

1. Roman M, Nogaret JM, Fils JF, Bourgeois P.

Seromas and punctures after complete axillary node dissection for breast cancer

differences between Mastectomy and Lumpectomy ; J Surgery.2015 Vol.:3, Issue 2.

2. Roman MM, Karler C, Nogaret JM, Bourgeois P, Philippson C.

Biopsies of the internal mammary sentinel lymph node in breast cancers

J Surgery.2016 Vol:4, Issue 1.

3. Roman M, Barbieux R, Leduc O, Bourgeois P.

Lymphatic drainages to the paravertebral and pararenal lymph nodes in breast cancer

patients ; Clin. Nucl. Med. 2017 Mar 24.

4. Roman M, Barbieux R, Leduc O, Bourgeois P.

Lymphatic drainages to the paravertebral lymph nodes in breast cancer patients; Lymphat

Res Biol. 2017 Mar 15(1):99-106.

5. Roman M, Bourgeois P, Urbain F.

Lymphatic drainage of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap after breast

reconstruction.

Ann Med Health Sci Res. Nov 2017.

6. Roman M, Barbieux R, Leduc O, Bourgeois P

Importance des shunt lympho-veineux chez des patientes avec un oèdeme des membres

inférieurs: à propops de leur démonstration lymphoscintigraphique dans 5 cas.

Rev Med Brux. 2018.

7. Roman M, Barbieux R, Nogaret JM, Bourgeois P

Use of lymphoscintigraphy to differentiate primary versus secondary lower extremity

lymphedema after surgical lymphadenectomy: a retrospective analysis.

World J Surg Oncol Apr 2018.

8. Roman MM, Barbieux R, Leduc O, Bourgeois P.

Lymphatic Drainage to the Paravertebral Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer

Patients.

Lymphat Res Biol. 2017

Mar;15(1):99-106. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2016.0037. PMID: 28323571.

9. Roman MM, Westerby T, Karler C

Fibromatosis of the Male Breast: A Case Report

Chirurgia (Bucur). 2019 Sept-

Oct;114(5):664-667. doi: 10.21614/chirurgia.114.5.664. PMID: 31670643.

10. Roman MM, Barbieux R, Eddy C, Karler C, Veys I, Zeltzer A,

Adriaenssens N, Leduc O, Bourgeois P.

Lymphoscintigraphic Investigations for Axillary Web Syndromes

Lymphat Res Biol. 2022

Aug; 20(4):417-424. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2021.0015. Epub 2021 Nov 22.

PMID: 34813367.

11. Roman MM, Nogaret Jm, Veys I, Delrue P, Eddy C, Karler C, Marmol VD,

Bourgeois P.

The impact of temporal variations in ICG administration on axillary node

identification during reverse mapping procedures.

Chirurgia (Bucur) 2022 Jun ; 117(3) : 305-311. Doci : 10.21614/chirurgia.2739.

12. Barbieux R, Doyenard S, Pluska A, Roman MM

Lymphoscintigraphy as a therapeutic tool can improve manual lymphatic

drainage for the physical treatment of patients with upper limb

lymphedema: randomized clinical trial.

Lymphat Res Biol 2023 ; 21(6) :594-600.

13. Roman MM, Delrue P, Karler C, Del Marmol V, Bourgeois P

Indo-cyanine green administration to identy loss of lymph after axillary

lymph node dissection.

Front Oncol.2023 Mar 13 ; 13 : 1045495.

Doi :10.3389/fonc.2023.1045495.

14. Roman MM, Karler C, Del Marmol V, Bourgeois P

Confirmation of the importance of lymphatic leakage in the formation of axillary fluid collections after lymph node dissection for breast cancer.

Clinical Surgical Onc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cson.2024.100071.

15. Bourgeois P. And Roman MM, Karler K, Del Marmol V.

Does ICG have time-dependent effects on the lymphatic system in women after breast cancer surgery.  July 2025 . Lymphology.

1. Barbieux R, Redaway J, De Backer P, Thomas C, Roman M, Leduc O, Leduc A, Bourgeois P, Provyn S.

Evaluation des effets de l’activité physique sur le système lymphatique de patients avec lymphoedème secondaire à une chirurgie de cancer du sein.

Mains Libres. 03-2017.

2. Barbieux R, Roman M, Rivière F, Leduc O, Leduc A, Bourgeois P, Provyn S.

Scintigraphic investigations of the deep and superficial lymphatic systems in the evaluation of

lower limb odedema.

Scientic Reports, 2019.

3. Philippson C, Larsen S, Simon S, Vanderkhove C, De Caluwe A, Van

Gestel D, Chintine M, Veys I, De Neubourg F, Noterman D, Roman MM,

Nogaret JM , Desmet A.

Intraoperative electron radiotherapy in early invasive ductal breast cancer :

6-year median follow-up resultas pf a prospective monocentric registry.

Breast Cancer Res.2022 Nov 23; 24 (1):83. Doi: 10.1186/s13058-022-

01582-4.

4. Barbieux R, Roman MM, Penafuerte DRY, Leduc O, Leduc A, Bourgeois P, Provyn S.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Increases the Number of Opened Lymphatic

Pathways in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedemas: A Sequential.

Research on 80 PatientsLymphology. 2022;55(4):155-

166.PMID: 37553004.

5. Bourgeois P, Roman MM, Schweicher J , Lavoisier P, Maquet P, Karler C,

Lizewski M, Fouarge A, Cuylits N, Del Marmol V, Leduc O

Lymphatic Alterations Under tattoos: preliminary reports of one

observational study.

Clin Cosmet Investg Dermatol. 2023 Jan 27; 16:257. Doi: 10.2147/CCID.

S393038.eCollection 2023.

Advances in Lymphatic Medicine 

Art BeSL Intechopen

Chapitre « The classifications of the lower limb lymphedema by the Belgian Society of Lymphology based on clinical and lympho-cintigrapfic data

Bourgeois P, Roman MM, Barbieux R, Leduc O.

IntechOpen. Submitted and revised in July 2025.

• Roman M.

The impact of per- and preoperative ICG administration on seromas, punctures, after axillary lymph node dissection.

29th International Society of lymphology, World Congress- ESL.

Genova, Italy, 11-15 Aout, 2023.

• Barbieux R et Roman M.

Lymphoscintigraphic assessment as a therapeutic guidance for lymphedema treatment.

43e Congrès Européen de Lymphologie, 26–27 mai 2017, Stuttgart, Allemagne.

• Roman M.

Lymphatic drainages to the paravertebral and pararenal lymph nodes in breast cancer patients.

43e Congrès Européen de Lymphologie, 26–27 mai 2017, Stuttgart, Allemagne.

• Roman M.

Lower limb edemas after lymphadenectomy: primary or secondary.

26th World Congress of Lymphology, 25–29 septembre 2017, Barcelone, Espagne.

• Roman M.

Lymphatic drainages to the paravertebral and pararenal lymph nodes in breast cancer patients.

43e Congrès Européen de Lymphologie, 26–27 mai 2017, Stuttgart, Allemagne.

• Roman M.

Interest of the lymphoscintigraphic investigation of the deep lymphatic system in patients with lower limb edema.

42e Congrès de la Société Européenne de Lymphologie (ESL), 13–14 mai 2016, Mulhouse, France.

• Roman M.

L’expérience bruxelloise de la radiothérapie per opératoire.

Congrès Francophone d’Oncologie Multidisciplinaire, 13–15 octobre 2016.Marseille, France.

• Roman M.

Ponctions for seromas after complete axillary node dissection (CALND) for breast cancer: Institutional survey and preliminary analysis.

41e Congrès de la Société Européenne de Lymphologie (ESL), 4–6 juin 2015 CHUV, Lausanne.

• Barbieux R, Roman MM,

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Increases the Number of Opened Lymphatic

Pathways in Patients with Lower Limb Lymphedemas: A Sequential Research on 80 PatientsLymphology. 2022;55(4):155-166.PMID: 37553004.166.PMID: 37553004.

NAC-AX Delphi Consensus Study (1st Round)
Axillary Management in Node-Positive Breast Cancer after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy – July 2025
Role: Expert participant in an international Delphi study on post-neoadjuvant axillary management in breast cancer.

Report – Belgian Participation in the HORIZON VINCI Project (Pre-Submission Phase)
Commissioned by: National Coordination – June 2025 – 10 pages
Contribution to institutional coordination and drafting of the Belgian component of the Horizon Europe proposal.

Report – Analysis of Patient Needs in the Breast Cancer Care Pathway
Commissioned by: Europa Donna Belgium – January 2024 – 22 pages
Assessment of patient experiences, unmet needs, and support strategies throughout the breast cancer care continuum.

Meeting Report – Symposium of the Belgian Society of Lymphology (BSL)
Commissioned by: BSL – December 2023 – 14 pages
Summary of scientific sessions and key findings on lymphatic disorders and clinical practices.

Erasmus Exchange Programme – Medical Studies (5th Year)
Université de Lille, France – 3-month scholarship, 2005
Completed a clinical and academic exchange as part of the Erasmus Programme, focusing on medical training and cross-cultural collaboration in clinical education.

Scientific Mission – Humanitarian Surgical Program
Choibalsan, Mongolia – June 12–22, 2011
Participated in an international development and humanitarian aid program, contributing to surgical training and medical care delivery in resource-limited settings

Roman, M.
“Comparison of Surgical Techniques in Breast Cancer.”
9th International Symposium on Personalized Translational Oncology and Cancer Control, Bucharest, Romania, 23–26 April 2025.

Roman, M.
“SLN Imaging in Breast Cancer.”
8th International Symposium on Personalized Translational Oncology and Cancer Control, Bucharest, Romania, 8–11 May 2024.

Roman, M., Bourgeois, P.
“Toxicity of ICG: Should We Take It into Consideration?”
47th European Congress of Lymphology, Istanbul, Türkiye, 30 May–1 June 2024.

Roman, M.
“Complications after Breast Cancer Treatment.”
7th International Symposium on Personalized Translational Oncology and Cancer Control, Bucharest, Romania, 20–23 April 2023.

Roman, M.
“The Role of Lymphoscintigraphy in Gynecological Cancers.”
29th World Congress of the International Society of Lymphology (ISL), Genoa, Italy, 11–15 August 2023.

Roman, M.
“Impact of Per- and Preoperative ICG Administration on Seromas and Punctures after Axillary Lymph Node Dissection.”
29th ISL World Congress, Genoa, Italy, 11–15 August 2023.

Roman, M.
“Breast Cancer Surgery.”
6th International Symposium on Personalized Translational Oncology and Cancer Control, Bucharest, Romania, 22–24 September 2022.

Roman, M., Barbieux, R.
“Lymphoscintigraphic Assessment as Therapeutic Guidance for Lymphedema Treatment.”
43rd European Congress of Lymphology, Stuttgart, Germany, 26–27 May 2017.

Roman, M.
“Interest of Lymphoscintigraphic Investigation of the Deep Lymphatic System in Patients with Lower Limb Edema.”
42nd Congress of the European Society of Lymphology (ESL), Mulhouse, France, 13–14 May 2016.

Roman, M.
“Lower Limb Edemas after Lymphadenectomy: Primary or Secondary?”
26th World Congress of Lymphology, Barcelona, Spain, 25–29 September 2017.

Roman, M.
“Lymphatic Drainage to Paravertebral and Pararenal Lymph Nodes in Breast Cancer Patients.”
43rd European Congress of Lymphology, Stuttgart, Germany, 26–27 May 2017.

Roman, M.
“The Brussels Experience in Intraoperative Radiotherapy.”
Francophone Congress of Multidisciplinary Oncology, Marseille, France, 13–15 October 2016.

Roman, M. “The Multilayer Flow Modulator (MFM): Early Experience in a European Country.” European Society for Vascular Surgery Congress, Bologna, Italy, 19–21 September 2012.

Roman, M. “Punctures for Seromas after Complete Axillary Node Dissection (CALND) for Breast Cancer: Institutional Survey and Preliminary Analysis.” 41st Congress of the European Society of Lymphology (ESL), CHUV Lausanne, Switzerland, 4–6 June 2015.

Roman, M.
“Lymphoscintigraphy of the Deep Lymphatic System in Patients with Lower Limb Edema.”
42nd Congress of the European Society of Lymphology (ESL), Mulhouse, France, 13–14 May 2016.

Invited Speaker (Chair) – World Lymphedema Day Symposium, UZ Brussel, 19 March 2025.

Invited Speaker – European Commission, October 2024.
Topic: Breast Cancer and European Health Policy.

Invited Speaker – European Commission, 9 February 2024.
Topic: Reducing Cancer Risk: Understanding, Preventing, and Early Detection.

Invited Speaker – First “Plants & Well-Being” Conference, Abbaye de Villers-la-Ville, Belgium, 9–10 October 2021.
Topic: Which Plants Can Best Support Cancer Treatments?
Organized in support of Télévie.

• Past President – Belgian Society of Lymphology (BeSL)
• President – Europa Donna Belgium (EDB)
• Board Member – Belgian Society of Senology (BVS/SBS)
• Board Member – European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO)
• Member – European Society of Lymphology (ESL)
• Member – European Society of Breast Cancer Specialists (EUSOMA)
• Member – European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)
• Member – The Breast Cancer Network (BCN)
• Member – European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)

• National Expert – Breast Cancer Screening Evaluation
  RIZIV/INAMI & Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE), Belgium –Ongoing
  Participation as an expert in the ongoing national assessment of the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of breast cancer screening in women.

• Judicial Expert – RIZIV/INAMI-FAM (National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance, Belgium)
  Certified medical expert for judicial and medico-legal evaluations.

• Scientific Expert – Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre (KCE)
  Project: “Breast Cancer: Do Accredited Breast Clinics Make a Difference?” (2014–2023)
  Contributor to the national evaluation study: Leroy R., De Gendt C., Bourgeois J., Verbeeck J., Savoye I., Avoye G., Van Damme N.S., Carly B., … Roman M.…

• Special Adviser – Medical Expertise and Cancer Policy
  European Commission, Brussels (2021–2025)
  Advisor and invited expert for European discussions on medical governance, oncology, and patient safety.

• Expert Participant – 135th Inter-Institutional Medical Board Meeting
  European Parliament, European Commission, and Council of Europe – 2025
  Participated in high-level discussions on health systems integration and European medical standards.

• Expert Participant – 26th Advisory and Scientific Committee Meeting
  European Parliament, Schuman Roundabout 9, Brussels – 2025
  Contributor to scientific strategy and policy dialogue on cancer care in Europe.

• Collaborations with European Health Organisations:
  European Cancer Organisation (ECO) – Expert Contributor
  European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) – Board Member and Scientific Advisor

2025 – President, Europa Donna Belgium (EDB)
Organization of awareness campaigns, public events, and advocacy initiatives with national health authorities.
Active participation in European projects promoting patient engagement, breast health education, and women’s health policy.

2024 – President, Belgian Society of Lymphology (BeSL)
Promotion of research and public education on lymphatic disorders.
Organization of conferences, symposia, and outreach events for both healthcare professionals and the general public.

2022–2024 – Contributor to Patient Information Brochures
Co-authored materials with INAMI/RIZIV and KCE (Belgian Health Care Knowledge Centre).
Simplified clinical recommendations for dissemination to patients and caregivers.
Supported inter-institutional collaboration to improve health communication in Belgium.

2018–2024 – Educational Seminars on Breast Cancer and Lymphedema
Regular speaker during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Octobre Rose) at Institut Jules Bordet.
Conducted presentations for patients, associations, and non-specialist healthcare providers.
Adapted complex medical information into accessible materials for the public.

2025 – RTBF Health Focus (Belgium)
Invited guest on a television program discussing breast cancer prevention, early detection, and patient education.

Invited Guest – TVR (Romanian National Television and radio)

Comparison of Surgical Techniques in Breast Cancer.
9th International Symposium on Personalized Translational Oncology and Cancer Control, Bucharest, Romania, 23–26 April 2025.

SLN Imaging in Breast Cancer.
8th International Symposium on Personalized Translational Oncology and Cancer Control, Bucharest, Romania, 8–11 May 2024.

Complications after Breast Cancer Treatment.
7th International Symposium on Personalized Translational Oncology and Cancer Control, Bucharest, Romania, 20–23 April 2023.

Breast Cancer Surgery.
6th International Symposium on Personalized Translational Oncology and Cancer Control, Bucharest, Romania, 22–24 September 2022.

• Belgian Society of Lymphology (BeSL) – President

Oversight of scientific events, symposia, and educational programs. Coordination of national activities promoting research and clinical excellence in lymphology.

• Europa Donna Belgium (EDB) – President

Management of national advocacy campaigns, public health events, and collaborations with European partners to strengthen breast cancer awareness and patient engagement.

• Breast Clinic Coordinator – ISALA, CHU Saint-Pierre (Brussels)

Coordination of the multidisciplinary breast unit, supervision of patient pathways, and facilitation of collaboration among surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nursing teams.

• Head of Clinic – Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB)

Responsible for leading the Breast Surgery and Oncology Unit, overseeing clinical care, surgical activity, and multidisciplinary coordination.
Supervision of residents and fellows, implementation of evidence-based protocols, and participation in research, teaching, and innovation projects in oncologic surgery.

Organizer – Belgian Society of Lymphology Symposium 

Hotel Sofitel, Brussels – October 2025

National and international scientific event focused on advances in lymphatic medicine and clinical management

Organizer – Belgian Society of Lymphology Symposium
Hotel Sofitel, Brussels – December 2024
National and international scientific event focused on advances in lymphatic medicine and clinical management.

Organizer –  Europa Donna Belgium Symposium 

Sparks Meeting, Brussels - October 2025
Annual national symposium dedicated to breast cancer awareness, education, and advocacy, bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, and institutional partners.

Member – Medical Council, Institut Jules Bordet
2013–2014 and 2022–2023
Participation in the governance and strategic decision-making of the institution, contributing to discussions on clinical organization, medical ethics, and institutional policy within the oncology hospital.

As an academic surgeon and national expert in breast oncology, my research focuses on the comprehensive management of breast cancer patients, addressing both clinical and psychosocial aspects.
My work explores post-treatment complications (lymphedema, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, and body image), the long-term quality of life, and the personalization of care pathways through multidisciplinary collaboration and therapeutic education.
I am also deeply engaged in improving medical communication at both clinical and institutional levels, ensuring patient-centered care and adherence to EUSOMA quality standards for safety and coordination.

My teaching activities include medical oncology, patient care pathways, professional communication, and ethics, with an emphasis on humanistic and holistic care.
As President of Europa Donna Belgium, I lead national awareness and advocacy initiatives for breast cancer prevention, early detection, and equitable access to multidisciplinary care across Europe.