What drew you to Fremont County?

I was drawn to Fremont County for many reasons: I grew up in a mountain valley of northern Utah.  Both my wife and I have missed living close to the mountains. This was an opportunity to live and work in a place that felt like home. Also, this location gets us within only 4 hours of most of our sons and grandchildren.  Mostly we were favorably impressed with the cohesive nature of the medical staff of Lander Medical Clinic and of SageWest.

What would you like every patient to know?

I will always endeavor to present options for their care choices and will give them honest advice based on my experience, best medical practices and guidelines and treat them as I would like to be treated and as I would like my own family to be treated.

What is your favorite part of your workday?

The best part of my workday is getting to know my patients and finding out more about them and the area.

What most excites you about the future of Women’s healthcare?

Women’s healthcare is transforming significantly.  With the innovations of minimally invasive procedures and surgeries, women can enjoy faster recovery times and better results. Also research is progressing in a way that will enable us to understand much more about not only disease processes, but also about how and why the human body works. This understanding will hopefully allow us to help women at all stages of their life to improve their quality of life.

What drew you to Fremont County?

 The mountains.  My family loves the area and we really “feel at home”. 

 What would you like every patient to know?

 Pregnancy is normal.  Women are designed incredibly well to have a baby.  I’m usually “hands-off” as long as labor is progressing well. 

 For Gynecology patients we can help with almost everything.  I like to let the patient decide what’s best for her after we know what’s going on and what appropriate actions are.  I really listen to the patient.

 What is your favorite part of your workday?

 Interacting with patients.  The relationships developed throughout prenatal care and seeing those babies become young children and the privilege of delivering multiple babies for families is wonderful!

 What most excites you about the future of Women’s healthcare?

 Prenatal diagnostics with cell free DNA.

 Going to your first gynecologist appointment may give you butterflies, but starting a habit that provides a foundation for a lifetime of health is one of the smartest steps a young woman can take.

Women should start receiving annual gynecology exams between the ages of 18 and 21, or when they become sexually active. However, if you are experiencing any gynecological symptoms, you should schedule an exam sooner. Such symptoms include irregularities in the menstrual cycle, unusual or severe vaginal or pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, swelling, tenderness, sores, lumps, or itching, or unusual changes in the breast.

At Lander Medical Clinic & Western Family Care, we want you to have a great first experience.  When making your first appointment, it is helpful to tell us that this is your first gynecological exam. Your health care provider knows that many women feel nervous about gynecology exams, and they will help you to relax and understand the process.

Your first appointment will include a discussion with the nurse and the doctor about your health and any concerns you might have. This is a good time for you to ask them what to expect from the exams – the physical exam and, if you agree to it and need it, the pelvic and vaginal exam.  As part of your exam, you will be asked questions about your family history, current health, and sexual activity. You can also expect to be asked questions about your menstrual cycle, sexual activity and partners, contraception, STD prevention, pregnancies, illnesses, surgeries, and drug and alcohol use.

Some of these questions will be quite personal in nature but it is important that you answer honestly. Do not let shyness be a health risk. You should have complete confidence that what you say is kept confidential.

Your gynecological exam is also a time for you to ask any questions that you may have. There are no wrong questions to ask when it comes to your personal health and the more knowledge you have about your body, the more confidence you can have about taking care of it.

Our Gynecology and Obstetric Team want you to feel comfortable in choosing the right provider and confident in your care.  If you have any questions about what to expect at a gynecological exam or would like to schedule your annual Well Woman’s Exam, please call Lander Medical Clinic or Western Family Care at (307) 332-2941 to schedule an appointment.

We’re proud to provide excellent care, close to home.

Resources:

https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Your-First-Gynecologic-Visit-Especially-for-Teens