Empoweredby choice

— Lynn Anderson

As women’s bodies have unique beauty and function, so too should the medical care they receive throughout their lives. The Women’s Health Specialists of Nevada, a group of medical professionals in the Renown Regional Medical Center, provide a custom healthcare experience for women from all walks of life. WHS been around for more than 20 years and consists of four physicians and two certified nurse-midwives, all of whom specialize in a different aspect of women’s health across the spectrum.

Obstetrics

Dr. Craig Klose is a practicing physician within the group who focuses on obstetrics and gynecology.

“I take care of pregnant women through pregnancies,” Klose said. “50 percent of what I do is pregnancy related.”

Klose, who has delivered around 14,000 babies in his career, specializes in fertility support and high-risk pregnancy. He has been a part of WHS since 1986.

According to Klose, there is a 40-year span in a woman’s life where she will have to address reproductive issues. Along with pregnancy care and prevention, Klose works with women to diagnose and treat a variety of gynecological ailments such as cysts or sexually transmitted diseases.

“I can help with pretty much any problem a female is having,” said Klose. “Much of what I do is helping women prevent pregnancy, get pregnant, or a cessation of the reproductive cycle.”

With the resurgence of natural and home births, Klose encourages women to make choices that work best for them, and offers guidance about birth plans.

“Realistically, only about 10 percent of women can handle a natural child birth,” said Klose. “If they are mentally prepared, that increases the likelihood of a natural birth, but most women will seek out an epidural.”

Klose advocates for men to be involved in their partner’s labor process.

“It’s important for men to acknowledge the birth, too,” he said.

Gynecology

Dr. Terrence McGaw used to be both an obstetrician and a gynecologist, but now focuses exclusively on gynecology.

“The sleepless nights were getting to me,” McGaw joked.

McGaw said he commonly works with patients dealing with bladder concerns, especially in older women. For the patient, it’s often a difficult issue to discuss, and McGaw will schedule longer appointments to give patients the opportunity to be comfortable.

“Ninety percent of a doctor’s diagnosis is from a conversation with the patient,” said McGaw. “Being a good listener, sensitive, and ensuring absolute confidentiality often helps.”

McGaw uses a robotically-assisted gynecological tool during surgeries to minimize the healing time. Depending on the procedure, some patients can heal within hours after an operation.

“We have very modern technology that is unique to our private practice,” McGaw said.

McGaw welcomes the opportunity to talk to patients about holistic options, and wants patients to have a say in their treatment plans.

“We want their health care experience to be customized, individual,” he said.

Midwifery

The word “midwife” sounds like a title from days of old, but the role is more relevant than ever, according to Lynn Anderson and Tamara Baumann, the two certified nurse-midwives in the group. They collaborate with the physicians, particularly in labor, and consult individually with patients. WHS is the only private practice midwifery service in the Reno, Sparks and Carson City region.

“There are many misconceptions about what we do,” said Anderson. “Basically, we do full scope women’s health and wellness, from adolescence to menopause.” Anderson and Baumann focus on prevention, including cervical cancer screenings, Pap smears, and education about sexually transmitted diseases.

“We help them [women] learn to make choices of value and give them guidance,” said Baumann.

Baumann and Anderson also work with young women to ensure their options and their ability to make healthy decisions.

“I like to give them the ‘mom’ talk,” Anderson said of the adolescents she counsels. “They are faced with so many choices. I help them envision what life can be.”

Baumann agreed. “We talk about the importance of safety decisions, such as wearing a helmet. We also talk about tobacco, alcohol and drugs.”

Anderson and Baumann acknowledge the emotional side to getting health care.

“Sometimes an appointment will turn into a counseling session,” said Anderson. “Some people just really need someone to listen to them. There is a ton of stress placed on women.” This economic climate is placing a great deal of stress upon women.

In collaboration with McGaw, Anderson hopes to implement centering health care, which is essentially group health care where patients with a common issue can undergo group sessions. Recent studies have proven the benefits.

Baumann and Anderson enforce the idea of a non-invasive medical care experience.

“So many women are just stressed, and are given antidepressants, hormone replacements, medications,” said Anderson. “So much can be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise.”

Control

“We’re here because women requested us,” Anderson said. “We’re here to serve the needs of the community.”

“We pride ourselves on being experienced,” said McGaw. “We hope to offer care in the most comfortable environment, with the least amount of pain and intervention.”

WHS is changing buildings in October but will still be in the same medical center. Learn more about the staff, news and services at their website, http://womenshealthnv.com.