El Camino physicians offer gynecologic care for teens

By Preeti Piplani, Special to the Town Crier

Dr. Katherine Sutherland of the Women Physicians Ob/Gyn Medical Group offers services for youth as well as adults.

At first blush, the ob-gyn offices of Dr. Katherine Sutherland might not seem the place where a teenage girl would feel comfortable. Nestled on the second floor of El Camino Hospital's Orchard Pavilion building, the offices of the all-women physicians group resemble most clinics. However, next to the standard indoor tree a curious hot-pink informational display asks visitors: "Is your teen at risk?"

This prompting question leads the observer to a series of teen health-related issues, ranging from date rape to smoking. The colorful display is a stark contrast to the standard adult ob-gyn office lobby. That's because the Women Physicians Ob/Gyn Medical Group is at the forefront of teen health issues, treating teenage girls in addition to its adult patients.

Typically, pediatricians treat girls up to the age of 18; most girls undergo their first gynecologic exam after high school.

After a recent study released by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommended that teenage girls first see a gynecologist between the ages of 13 and 15, this Mountain View-based practice decided to expand its services to teenage girls.

"It has taken us probably at least three months to gear up before we were able to offer services. We're much more knowledgeable (now) about the statistics, and we're also more in tune with the psychological behaviors of teens," Sutherland said.

The four doctors and one nurse practitioner in the group recognize how scary or intimidating a teen's first visit can be. After several months of research and training, the clinic has designed a teen-friendly process that eases both teens and parents into their first exam.

"I think one of the most important things to help put teens at ease is stressing the confidentiality of the visit before we even see them. It helps to reinforce that they do not need a pelvic exam," Sutherland said.

Yet despite preliminary reassurances, Sutherland said, "First-time patients are virtually always scared to death."

She added, "I think many teens are fearful of making a transition (to a gynecologist). Like many things, it's a transition to a more mature interaction, and for some, it's challenging."

While teens' response to the exams varies, Sutherland's response from parents has been very favorable.

"The parents love it. They want all the help they can get at this age. The parents really like having another asset to talk to their teen."

On a typical first visit, the teen and her mother fill out separate forms with questions ranging from family medical history to the teen's experience with drugs and alcohol. In addition, both the patient and the parent sign confidentiality agreements guaranteeing the privacy of all parties involved. During the exam, the teen has the option of talking alone with the doctor or having her mother present. Sutherland said approximately 10 percent of teens have their mother sit with them through the entire checkup.

The doctor then addresses any concerns expressed by the teen or parent individually, followed immediately by a medical exam.

According to Sutherland, the doctors try to alleviate pressure on the teen by asking open-ended or "do you have friends who …" questions so that discussing the teen's life simply melts into the conversation.

Finally, the parent, teen and doctor come together and talk about further action. In most cases a pelvic exam is unnecessary, but annual visits are recommended.

"Our main mission is the safety of teens in our community. We want to be an extra safety net for young ladies who may be falling into risky or dangerous behaviors or may not know where to turn with issues of self-esteem or mood problems," Sutherland said.

While resources such as health classes in schools and organizations such as Planned Parenthood already serve teens, Sutherland believes the clinic offers a more personalized approach to health issues.

"I think the schools have done a wonderful job of educating about the dangers of certain activities … but it's putting the education into practice that may take a more one-on-one approach," she said.

In addition to the medical services provided by the clinic, teens have access to a lending library with books and research material about pertinent health issues. Teenage patients also receive a list of useful Web sites and emergency numbers.

Most teenagers visiting the clinic are daughters of women who are already patients there. Upon first offering the teen services, the clinic sent a letter with information about the new ACOG study to all its patients with daughters 13-19. The letter encouraged teens to consider seeking some sort of treatment, not necessarily with Women Physicians.

For more information about the clinic, call 988-7550 or logon to www.elcaminoobgyn.com.

Information on this website is for educational and reference purposes only and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice.

Copyright © 2006

Women Physicians

Ob-Gyn Medical Group

650.988.7550