Dr. Dixie Melillo M.D.
General Surgeon and Co-Founder of The Rose
Dr. Melillo, a general surgeon who practices in Pasadena, Texas and
specializes in breast cancer, was a high school dropout who went back to
school while raising two boys. She proved what can be done if you have
enough grit and elbow grease. She worked at a Chicken Shack waiting on
tables, and at the post office loading docks to get through medical
school. In 1983 she was the second woman to graduate from The University
of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston as a surgeon.
During her first few years in residence and in practice as a general
surgeon, she saw an alarming number of women who had breast cancer that
was beyond treatment. In 1985, at a medical conference in Miami, she met
journalist and breast cancer patient/advocate Rose Kushner. When Dixie
told Rose about the alarming conditions women faced, Rose challenged her
to "get off her duff and do something." The rest is history.
With the help of her friend, Dorothy Weston, Dixie opened The Rose's
first screening center in 1987, named in memory of Rose Kushner. Today
The Rose is comprised of two comprehensive breast health care centers
that provide low-cost breast cancer screening, diagnosis and support for
all women through the Greater Houston Area regardless of their ability
to pay.
Dr. Melillo is a member of numerous medical associations and
organizations, boards of directors, and committees. She has addressed
and/or appeared before the Senate on the importance of insurance and
health care for all women. Dr. Melillo is a published author of medical
articles. She has been honored by not only the Governor of Texas, by
being named to the Texas Women's Hall of Fame, but also, by many local
and state organizations for her outstanding service and dedication to
breast cancer.
Dixie lives in Pasadena and in her spare time is a devoted caretaker of numerous animals who are treated like a second family.