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Partners Obstetrics & Gynecology provides the highest quality obstetrical and gynecological care with compassion, understanding and respect for the individuality of each woman.

Our health care team is comprised of women practitioners who have extensive backgrounds in the care of women of all ages. As a partner in your health, we are committed to providing you with compassionate, competent care, and respect for your health concerns and individuality.

Take Advantage of the Minnesota Department of Health's free mammogram program! For eligible uninsured women, Sage provides free office visits for breast exams, cervical exams, mammograms and Pap smears.  For more information please visit the Minnesota Department of Health website or click here for services/ eligibility.e clicerddd   or   

THIS JUST IN...

ACOG stands for the American Congress of OB/GYN, the national governing entity for doctors specializing in OB/GYN. Like the AMA (American  Medical Association), they make policy decisions, regulate training programs, and provide opinions and updates about medical practice in the specialty of OB/GYN. ACOG certifies doctors who take the rigorous board exams and recertification throughout their careers through the ABOG (American Board of OB/GYN).

When a physician specializing in OB/GYN takes and passes these rigorous exams, which includes submission of case lists and both a written and oral component, they become a "Fellow" of the American Congress of OB/GYN.  Hence, you may see the initials "FACOG" behind your doctors' name, indicating they are Board Certified in the specialty of OB/GYN.  Here at Partners OB/GYN we are proud to say that ALL of our physicians are Board Certified and maintain the highest standards set by our national governing body, in order to provide our patients with the highest quality of care.

ACOG Mammogram Screening Guidelines Update prepared by Dr. Joanne Votel

Mammograms are recommended yearly beginning at age 40.  There are 2 main reasons behind this recommendation:

1. The reduction in mortality seen through screening is as effective for women in their 40's as in their 50's. (This was not deemed to be the case previously, however, x-ray diagnostic techniques have steadily improved through the last 2 decades).

2. Breast cancers are biologically more aggressive in younger women before they are palpable, and may be detected on mammograms at this stage. (It makes sense that finding and treating a cancer earlier would likely affect the prognosis/cure).

  Criticisms of the new guideline include:

1. High 'false positive' readings on mammograms causing increased testing and patient anxiety.

2. High number of women it takes to screen to prevent one death from breast cancer.

To view the entire article, please visit ACOG .org

 Robotic Surgery:

Partners Ob/Gyn is now performing robotically-assisted minimally invasive surgery. This includes hysterectomy and specialized pelvic prolapse procedures. Dr. Joanne Votel, Dr. Ingrid Wilbrand-Conley, and Dr. Kathryn Goralski have led the way for our group by becoming fully trained to do these procedures which benefit patients with faster recoveries and improved outcomes compared to conventional surgery.

Office Procedures:

Partners Ob/Gyn physicians offer a variety of procedures done right in our office. These are  Essure and Adiana (hysteroscopic sterilization), endometrial ablation (for heavy periods), LEEP (for treatment of abnormal pap smears), hysteroscopy (scoping the uterine cavity) and saline ultrasound (also known as sonohysterography). These in-office procedures minimize scheduling hassles and are very convenient as well as potentially cost saving for patients.

Ultrasound:

Prenatal genetic testing options such as nuchal translucency testing and ultrasound guided amniocentesis are also performed in our office.

Corrective Procedures:

Urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse corrective procedures are special areas of interest and we incorporate the latest technologic advances in surgical techniques to benefit our patients. Many of the incontinence procedures are now performed in the outpatient surgery center with speedy recoveries.

THANKS FOR CHOOSING PARTNERS OB/GYN. YOUR CONTINUED TRUST IN US IS APPRECIATED!

When you are ready to schedule an appointment please contact our appointment line at 651-747-3255. We look forward to discussing your plans.