Women experiencing hidden but very real health struggles below the belt can turn to a team of medical experts for elusive solutions.
By addressing the overlap between gynecology and dermatology, the Women’s Health Clinic offers patients comprehensive treatment for conditions involving the female genitalia, labia and vulva.
“Any woman with a vagina and a vulva can have a problem,” says dermatologist, Dr. Danya Traboulsi. “It’s really a multi-disciplinary team. We are all in the same place and I feel patients feel really cared for and are more likely to buy into treatment.”
Medical director, Dr. Susan Poelman, says the unique collaboration of professionals teams up two dermatologists, an obstetrician/gynecologist and a women’s health physical therapist.
Rather than women enduring long waits to see specialists and delayed treatment, the blend of talents at this clinic translates into excellence in patient care, often during a single appointment. And the team approach also lends to increased comfort levels for patients with conditions creating burning, itching, pain and debilitating scarring which, let’s be honest, are not always easy to discuss even with a medical professional.
“It is very, very gratifying to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. We have patients that drive eight hours to see us and I think that’s a testimony to how well this system works,” Poelman says.
“A patient will suffer for 20 years with a condition and not get a diagnosis and then we will give them a diagnosis and a treatment plan. There are a lot of tears because they have never had anyone who understood their disease. Not only are they heard but they have hope that things can be better.”
Women are referred to the clinic for conditions such as lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, atrophic vaginitis, vulvodynia, vulvar psoriasis, vulvar contact dermatitis and labial melanosis.
Although not typically life-threatening, pain and discomfort which can leave some unable to sit or walk, can be life-altering.
That’s why obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Matthew Grossi wanted to be on the team.
“I think it’s a very underserved area in women’s health and an area where residents, whether in obstetrics and gynecology or dermatology and family medicine, maybe aren’t exposed to enough to feel confident in dealing with some of these conditions,” Grossi says.
“We have been able to collaborate really, really well. I’ve received referrals from as far way as Lethbridge and Grande Prairie.”
As part of Beacon Dermatology, the team works with a robust in-house clinical trials unit supporting research and the pursuit of improved treatment options and also looks to bring novel treatments available in the U.S. to Albertans.
Training fellow physicians wanting exposure to this area of medicine is a key part of what the clinic does, which will ultimately mean more women get the care they need.
As part of diagnostic team, the physiotherapist will further manage the pain and dysfunction component.
“I see myself as a clinician, an educator and an advocate for women,” says Susan Saretsky, who has worked with women experiencing pelvic health problems for more than two decades.
“We can really quickly get on issues so patients feel less frustrated and anxious about their condition”
Dr. Traboulsi says everyone’s intent is to make the experience, often coupled with shame and embarrassment, a bit more comfortable and outcomes successful.
“It takes time to build rapport. It’s a little different than checking a mole on the arm,” she says.
“But it’s hugely important. There are so many people having issues involving vulvar health and it can dramatically change someone’s quality of life. People don’t want to talk about it and the people they do talk to don’t know what to do about it. At least you are telling someone they are not the first and only person with this (condition.) I find that really gratifying as a physician.”
Beacon Dermatology is a state-of-the-art medical, surgical, cosmetic and laser centre with five board-certified dermatologists specializing in difficult-to-treat skin conditions. The clinic also specializes in cosmetic services with an impressive array of lasers and skilled injectors. Beacon’s medical director and co-founder, Dr. Andrei Metelitsa, is a specialist in cosmetic medicine.
Although many treatments at the Women’s Health Clinic are covered by Alberta Health patients require a referral from their family physician.
Beacon Dermatology – Women’s Health Clinic
Medical, Surgical, Cosmetic & Laser Dermatology
Suite 201 3110 17th Ave SW Calgary AB T3E 0B2
587-392-SKIN
Instagram: beaconderm
[email protected] • www.beaconderm.com
Read This Story in Our Outdoor Summer Digital Edition
Get outside and play!
We’ve covered DIY Bike Maintenance, Wildlife Travel, Open Water Swimming, Ultramarathon Training, Paddleboarding, Family Adventures, and Dogs and a Cat to watch on Instagram! Work out with Canada’s Top Fitness Instructors and be inspired by our Athletes with IMPACT.
