Welcome

Partners Obstetrics and Gynecology, P.A. 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 care, we are committed to providing you with compassionate, competent care, and at all times, respect for your health care concerns and individuality.

Take Advantage of the Minnesota Department of Health's free mammogram program!  If you have no insurance, Sage can probably cover all of your costs.  For eligible 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, which is the national governing entity for doctors specializing in OB/GYN across the country.  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

 DID YOU KNOW THAT…

Dr. Ingrid Wilbrand-Conley is back at Partners after spending a year working in Christchurch, New Zealand. Ask her about her Kiwi adventures!

Robotic Surgery:

Partners Ob/Gyn is now performing robotically-assisted minimally invasive surgery. This includes hysterectomy and specialized pelvic prolapse procedures. Dr. Joanne Votel and Dr. Ingrid Wilbrand-Conley 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.

In-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.

And did you know that we are now seven physicians strong with the addition of Dr. Megan McEllistrem to our practice? We’re ready and able to schedule your appointments at times convenient for you.

THANKS FOR CHOOSING PARTNERS OB/GYN.

YOUR CONTINUED TRUST IN US IS APPRECIATED!