His Care and Her Care Become Our Care

I have worked in the healthcare industry for a long time, and I've discovered one interesting fact: many men don't know what OB/GYN means.

They may know that the OB means "obstetrics" and the "GYN" stands for gynecology; however, if asked, a significant percentage wouldn't be able to define the individual components.

We're in Southwest Florida, where the average age is 66. Where age often does equal wisdom. There's no doubt that Physicians Regional is tasked with providing care to a more mature and informed consumer. If a patient here doesn't know the answer, they want to know it.

As we age and health care naturally plays a more significant role in our lives, "his" care and "her" care tend to become "our care." Rather than approach it independently, you support each other in the process.

I write this column with an "our care" focus. My experience has shown that those who have knowledgeable people around them are much more likely to seek the care they need.

Sometimes that help is not from a spouse but from a friend or family member who steps into the role of health care advocate. I see this scenario play out every day at Physicians Regional and I continue to applaud those who step into this essential supporting role.

To my gentleman friends, though this column focuses on women's health, please keep reading. If you already knew the distinction between OB and GYN, good for you. If not, you're about to find out.

While OB/GYN is considered one specialty, it includes two separate fields. Obstetrics (OB) involves the care during pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately after delivery. Gynecology (GYN) involves the care of all women's health issues.

A recent transplant from Portland, Maine, Anne M. Rainville, M.D., is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and provides expertise in evaluating and treating endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and abnormal pap smears, pelvic support problems, and incontinence as well as menopause, infertility and well-woman care.

She also specializes in minimally invasive surgical procedures, including operative laparoscopy including hysterectomy.

Dr. Rainville graduated from The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at The University of Vermont and spent her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at George Washington University.

Though Dr. Rainville is the first to admit that she loved delivering babies, she chose to specialize in gynecology because it combines wellness care and the opportunity to follow patients over many years.

Dr. Rainville is unique because she has been focused specifically on women's health care for over 30 years. She explains, "I strive to use all my knowledge and experience to provide my patients the highest quality of care — with a very individualized and personal approach."

She also places a premium on the importance of the doctor/patient relationship. "The biggest mistake that patients make is not telling their physician everything that they are concerned about or what they are experiencing," she says. "Please let us decide if it's important."

If you think you're going to shock your doctor, chances are good they have heard it before. So please speak up.

Ask Dr. Rainville's patients and they are likely to share how comfortable they feel speaking with her about any of their concerns. Many have commented that she genuinely cares and, of equal importance, she listens to them.

Originally from the Northeast, Dr. Rainville was understandably drawn to Southwest Florida by the beautiful weather and the need to get out of the cold. She adds: "I chose Physicians Regional Healthcare System because of the high quality of care that PRHS provides to the people of this area."

And if you agree with me that his care and her care often become our care, please know that we are here for both of you. If you are navigating your health care alone, we will be your advocate.

Regardless of your health care needs, we'd be honored for YOUR care to become OUR priority.