About me

Dr. Edwards is a fellowship-trained expert in the multidisciplinary treatment of breast cancer.

Her areas of expertise also include benign breast conditions, genetic and other risk factors for breast cancer, breast-conserving therapy, and nipple-sparing mastectomy.

Dr. Edwards is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, and has been a Cancer Liaison Physician for the Commission on Cancer. She also has contributed to breast360.org, an educational resource for patients. She has been recognized yearly as a Washingtonian Top Doctor and, in 2026, was listed in the magazine’s Top Doctor Hall of Fame.

Dr. Edwards attended the University of Virginia, where she earned a degree in biology. She received her medical degree from Duke University, where she was a Howard Hughes Medical Research Fellow, and completed her residency in general surgery at the George Washington University School of Medicine. In 2013, she completed a fellowship in breast surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. She is originally from Annandale, Virginia, and graduated from the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

My approach

After a breast cancer diagnosis, you’re seen quickly—within a few days at the most.
I’m here to advocate for your needs in today’s sometimes complex and impersonal health care system.
You’ll always have direct access to me and open, personal communication, so you never feel alone or lost during your journey. Every follow-up is with me personally.
Ultrasound, biopsies, and genetic testing are all available in a warm, welcoming office.
Together, we’ll create a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you, making decisions side-by-side so you feel supported every step of the way.
I bring more than a decade of breast surgery experience and technical expertise to every procedure, with an emphasis on smooth recovery and optimal cosmetic outcomes.
Your care extends beyond my office. I collaborate closely with medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, reconstructive plastic surgeons, pathologists, and support services to promote coordinated, multidisciplinary breast cancer care.

See what patients say about Dr. Edwards

        Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   Healthgrades User 
 85 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. Dr. Edwards is a skilled surgeon and is thorough with evaluations and assessments for surgical procedures. I had three surgeries with Dr. Edwards over a three-year period to address multiple underlying conditions. Dr. Edwards listened to my concerns and worked with me to move through the surgical process in a way that gave me the best chance of reducing recurrence and making a quick recovery after surgery. My medical situation was complicated and I am deeply appreciative that Dr. Edwards listened, discussed alternatives, and gave honest advice on the best surgical approaches. She was also flexible about pairing with plastic surgeons for breast reconstruction, affording me the opportunity to have the best surgical team for my medical needs.
  
 
     Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   Healthgrades User 
 245 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. I would highly recommend Dr. Claire Edwards
Dr. Claire Edwards is the most exceptional doctor I have ever had. I met her right after my breast cancer diagnosis and her empathy, attention to detail, sheer expertise and competence put me at ease. All through the process of scans, biopsies, surgery and beyond, Dr. Edwards maintained direct and excellent communication with me. In fact, I was amazed at (and very grateful for) her accessibility and prompt responses. She answered all my questions and addressed my concerns right away which was very reassuring throughout my treatment. She took her time to explain the various reports and the treatment plan in simple terms and provided constant guidance. I cannot thank her enough for her exceptional care and will always be grateful to her. I would recommend her in a heartbeat to anyone going through a difficult diagnosis like BC.
  
 
     Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   Healthgrades User 
 479 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. I appreciate the professional and good care Dr. Edwards has given me from diagnosis through breast surgery and post surgery. She explained patiently and professionally procedures to me. Dr. Edwards answers my numerous questions and concerns with thoughtfulness putting me at ease. I am very grateful to have her as my surgeon.
  
 
     Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   Healthgrades User 
 575 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. Best breast surgeon
I saw Dr. Edwards after finding a lump on my breast. From the first visit, Dr. Edwards made me feel at ease, showed compassion and exhibited professionalism. Before and after surgery, she answered all my questions and explained the procedure in detail. I would highly recommend her and have told all my friends how wonderful she is! I will always be thankful for the compassion she showed me during a scary health time in my life.
  
 
     Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   A recent patient 
 1523 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. Dr. Edwards is the BEST!!!
Dr. Edwards is an EXCEPTIONALLY well skilled, knowledgeable, understanding, and humble medical doctor. VHC is very fortunate to have a dedicated doctor of her caliber leading the Center for Breast Health. As one of her patients, I am continually impressed by her and very grateful that she is my doctor.
  
 
     Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   Healthgrades User 
 2080 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. Dr. Edwards is a rare mix of being both highly competent and also having an extraordinary bedside manner. She is empathetic, caring, and goes the extra mile to explain (in simple terms) all of the steps she will take with you in any given procedure. Finally, she was very meticulous to ensure my comfort and checked on my pain levels regularly. Can't say enough good things about her.
  
 
     Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   denise barber 
 2262 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. I saw Dr. Edwards today for the first time. I am a 10 year breast cancer survivor and underwent a bilateral mastectomy. I recently found a lump in my armpit. After being sent for ultrasounds and MRI, I found Dr. Edwards. She displayed utmost professionalism and I felt she really paid attention to what the issue at hand was. She made me feel like I was in great hands and I would definitely trust her to perform surgery on me. She answered all my questions and took away my fears of a re-occurrence. She is wonderful!
  
 
     Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   Mindy 
 2425 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. Dr Edwards is one of a kind! She is fantastic at her job. You can trust you’re in good hands if she is your surgeon.
  
 
     Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   Randy in Washington, DC 
 3757 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. Compassionate Effective Top Level Professional, Outstanding communication skills.
  
 
     Posted on Healthgrades  
   
   Veronica in Alexandria, VA 
 3798 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Healthgrades. Dr. Edwards is very kind and thorough. She took her time with me and made sure to answer all questions that I had. She performed my bilateral mastectomy and did an excellent job. Afterwards she made sure to explain in detail how everything went and what to expect next.
  
 
 
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My approach

See what patients say about Dr. Edwards

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