Nelli A. Akopyan, FNP

I am a Breast Surgical Oncology Nurse Practitioner – ASBrS Certified Nurse Practitioner – with over 16 years of dedicated experience in the field of oncology. My career has been centered on providing comprehensive, compassionate care to patients facing breast cancer, guiding them through every stage of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

I specialize in the clinical management of breast disease, assisting in surgical planning, patient education, and multidisciplinary coordination to ensure the highest standard of care. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting patients not only as a provider but also as an advocate and source of strength during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

I am passionate about empowering patients with knowledge, promoting early detection, and advancing the role of nurse practitioners in oncology care.

I have participated in international conferences as a presenter, where I spoke on topics including genetic testing, high-risk breast cancer screening, and preventive care. These presentations focused on the importance of early detection, personalized risk assessment, and evidence-based strategies to reduce breast cancer incidence in high-risk populations.

Before becoming a nurse practitioner and specializing in breast surgical oncology, I spent 8 years as a chemotherapy/biotherapy infusion nurse at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. During this time, I developed a strong foundation in oncology care, including the administration of complex treatment regimens, symptom management, and patient education. This experience provided me with a deep understanding of cancer therapeutics and inspired my transition into advanced practice, where I now focus on high-risk breast cancer screening, genetic counseling, and surgical care.