Yours, Mine and Ours

I have said this before, but it is worth repeating. This is partly because I see examples of this scenario play out daily at Physicians Regional Healthcare System.

As we get older, "his" health care and "her" health care tend to become "our" healthcare. As the caregiver is often tasked to know more than the patient, education becomes a powerful tool for all involved.

My respect for this educational process is also why I continue this column.

So, gentlemen, if you come across a column on obstetrics and gynecology - and ladies, if you notice I have chosen to discuss prostate cancer - the information is intended to enlighten everyone, not just the members of a specific sex.

Today, the medical focus is on the fairer sex, with my fellow gentlemen (hopefully) taking note.

"Men should realize women go through a much more pronounced hormonal journey throughout their lifetime than men," suggests Physicians Regional's Dr. Lisa Hendricks. "I do not mean to minimize the stages of male development. But differences in female development seem to affect day-to-day life more for women. There are many stages: prepubertal, puberty, premenopausal, postmenopausal, etc. Hormones affect so many aspects of a woman's life."

In the spirit of education, let me share that obstetrics involves care during pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and immediately after delivery. Gynecology consists of the care of all women's health issues.

An exciting new addition to Physicians Regional Medical Group, Dr. Hendricks received her medical education at New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center. She received her board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Obstetrics and Gynecology.

I'm always fascinated by why medical practitioners choose to pursue specific specialties. For her part, Dr. Hendricks places a premium on variety, not just in skills and functions, but in the knowledge base required to achieve the desired outcomes.

She initially chose OB/GYN because of its blend of primary care and surgical procedures. And though she has commented that there is nothing more rewarding than delivering babies, Dr. Hendricks has placed her considerable obstetrics skills on hold to focus on providing exceptional gynecological care to the women of Southwest Florida - regardless of their age.

And her appeal? "I have been practicing medicine for almost 25 years. Patients, nurses and others have said I am very down to earth. They seem to appreciate that I'm very thorough with my explanation of specific treatment plans—and why we are doing what we are doing," said Dr. Hendricks. "My staff has been known to make fun of me because I often use pictures to explain different conditions and diseases. I think a picture is worth a thousand words! That's never going to change."

As seen in the way she carefully reviews and explains medical scenarios, it's no surprise to anyone that Dr. Hendricks is passionate about patient care as well as comfort. "The best way to reassure patients is to listen to them. I like to make sure they know that I heard what they said. Patients need to know that I also am paying attention and I have done my part to review their medical history to help them decide the next steps that are right for them."

Dr. Hendricks and I agree that unique individuals are drawn to medicine. Our shared experience has been that every physician is distinctive and original in their thinking—a significant reason I chose this remarkable industry for my ongoing professional focus.

"Physicians dedicate their lives to taking care of people. This was so apparent as we went through the recent pandemic with Covid. Physicians figured it out: how to keep themselves safe and still care for people," Dr. Hendricks said. "Plus, it is a tremendous responsibility to help people with medical issues, whether the issues are preventative screening or treatment. I always hope those who choose me as their physician quickly discover that I understand my duties. My job is to help them decide what is best for them.”

Though she is a new resident of Southwest Florida, Dr. Hendricks has been visiting Naples since the 80s when she was still in high school and college. "My grandfather retired here, and we spent many vacations visiting him. As a beach person, I have always enjoyed the West Coast of Florida."

Lucky for Southwest Florida's men and women - she decided to come "home."