There has been a great deal of questions regarding the new government recommendations about when women should start getting mammograms. Essentially, the new guidelines say that women without any risk factors don’t need to have a mammogram until age 50. The previous recommendation was to start screening at age 40.
Most of us are still recommending beginning at age 40 but if a patient has no risk factors that every other year is acceptable until age 50 and then yearly after that. This is a reasonable compromise. The problem with the new recommendation is determining what risk factors are significant and how to assess each risk factor. For now, I am going to recommend screening at age 40.
Dr. V
After 2 years, Dr. Steve McCarus (Orlando, FL) launched the American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (a.k.a. AIMIS). Marsha Lamb (Scottsdale, AZ) is the medical director. Visit the website at www.aimis.org to learn more. Dr. V
Hello! No, this is not Dr. Volker, but one of the many women that respect his work and are working side by side with him as he tunnels forward with one goal in mind- YOU! As you can see, Dr. Volker will log on periodically and give his insight as a physician, and answer any questions you may have. However women like me that work with him will also periodically blog our thoughts, experiences and give you updates on the projects our favorite OB/GYN is working on. And let me tell you, Dr. Volker is currently working on some very exciting projects that are sure to advance women’s health!
Already a progressive and accomplished obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. Volker has most recently partnered with Dr. Steven McCarus to give birth to the American Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (AIMIS). AIMIS is at the forefront of women’s health and well being by educating women, doctors and the corporate companies that surround them. For instance, did you know that hysterectomies can be performed as a laparoscopic procedure and the patient can go home within 24-hours? The world of 6-week recoveries for a hysterectomy can be cut significantly and women can now return to their daily activities (at least most) within a week or two. Sadly, not all OB/GYNs offer this alternative. There are many hurdles to overcome to enable all women to have access to minimally invasive procedures- insurance companies, hospitals, and most importantly, not all surgeons know how to perform these procedures. The goal of AIMIS is to change that. Beginning with the surgeons - offering training courses in minimally invasive surgery from same day hysterectomies to endometriosis treatment. AIMIS will also work with hospitals and insurance companies- negotiating better incentives to those surgeons that perform MIS procedures. And finally AIMIS’s most important goal will be educating you, the patient, on alternatives to traditional surgeries. No one wants to get cut open, and if you can avoid it, why wouldn’t you? But it has to start with you. Asking the right questions and demanding the most advanced results.
Check back to this blog for updates from me - I not only am interested in this project of Dr. Volker’s because I work with him… but also because like many of you- I am a woman and I deserve the best care available. – A
I have been getting a great deal of questions about cosmetic procedures such as labiaplasty, vaginaplasty, rejuvenation and pelvic reconstruction. I have been performing these procedures for more than ten years. I will be posting some of my work in the near future on this website. Although some may consider these procedures on the extreme side of vanity, I will tell you that nothing is further from the truth.
Most of my patients are women who want to increase their self-confidence and feel better, not only in appearance but also in function. When considering one (or a combination) these new dynamic procedures, the approach is very personalized to the goal(s) of the patient. Believe it or not, there are just over 11.5 million cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S.
I am so excited to be able to communicate with those of you who visit my site. I will be covering a wide variety of healthcare issues and updates. In addition, many of my colleagues and other women that I work with will be providing information to the blog as well. Please contact me if there are any issues you would like me to address. Dr. V
This is a blog setup for patients and peers of Dr. Volker. Please enjoy
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