During clinic visits patients often ask my opinion about women’s health research findings in the news. I am writing this blog to answer their questions year round and clarify my own thinking about new medical information in my field.
I am a board certified ob/gyn physician practicing in the greater metro Minneapolis area since 1988. I work with an independent single specialty clinic — Obstetrics and Gynecology West PA.
For the past several years I have focused on gynecology with special interests in preventive care, menopause and improving health through healthy lifestyles. My interests include breast and reproductive health, cancer screening and female specific medical research findings.
Making sense of the latest medical information is a challenge both for the average person and for medical professionals. New medical findings get prompt coverage in newspapers, magazines and websites, especially when they appear to conflict with established medical practice. Often, medical news reports are released only hours after physicians receive professional journals with the pertinent articles.
Though findings from well-designed medical studies may change medical practice, a new study result does not immediately replace all that has gone before. Practicing physicians rely on their professional reading, peer discussions and national academic societies to integrate just-released, controversial and well-accepted medical information when caring for patients. We are challenged to incorporate new information appropriately in our practice and to assist our patients’ ongoing quest for knowledge in the print and electronic media.
This blog is the record of one physician’s efforts to do just that. While I won’t be able to respond to every medical news flash, I will comment as my time allows on topics that match my interests and expertise. I do not expect to answer personal medical questions. Rather, I hope to add to my patients’ understanding of medical issues between appointments and allow you to get the most out of our discussions during clinic visits.
Certainly, other patients and medical practitioners are welcome to use this information in the same fashion.
And for the record, I have no financial ties to any pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturers.
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