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U.VA. OFFERS NEW GI CLINIC FOR WOMEN, STAFFED BY WOMENThe University of Virginia Health System has announced the opening of a new Women's Digestive Health Clinic. The multidisciplinary clinic, which opens September 1, will incorporate gastroenterology, endoscopy, nutrition counseling and pain psychology.This will be a clinic for women and staffed by women. It is very unique, said Dr. Cynthia Yoshida, associate professor of internal medicine at U.Va. and director of the new clinic. The work in the clinic will have implications beyond regular office visits, Yoshida explained. Patients will have the opportunity to participate in a number of national clinical trials. In addition, there are plans to initiate a database to study gender-related gastrointestinal disorders. According to the American Digestive Health Foundation, at least 40 million Americans suffer from chronic digestive diseases that impact their lifestyle, and many more people are affected less severely by digestive illness. Women are more likely than men to suffer from certain gastrointestinal illnesses and are equally affected by colon cancer, the most deadly digestive disease. It is important that women openly discuss digestive health with their physician. Women often think they are less at risk for digestive illnesses than men are. This is not true. Women need to be aware of the symptoms, risk factors and screening options for common digestive illnesses, Yoshida said. Five practitioners plus a nutritionist and a pain psychologist, all female, will staff the clinic. Clinics will be held at the University of Virginia Digestive Health Clinic in the U.Va. Medical Center and at the Northridge facility. For more information on clinic, call (804) 924-DOCS. August 22, 2000 |