Anne Smith, MD, is a pediatric and adolescent obstetrician-gynecologist who takes care of young females from birth through adolescence.
Dr. Smith says she was drawn to the medical field in college when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. “My mom is doing well now, but at the time it was my first true exposure to the medical system, and I realized that, in addition to science, I was interested in counseling patients about their choices and treatment,” she says.
As someone who is passionate about women’s reproductive rights and health, Dr. Smith gravitated to Ob/Gyn, but also considered pediatric surgery because she loves working with children.
Because the field of pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) is relatively new, she hadn’t heard of it during medical school. She looked up “Can I still see kids if I am an Ob/Gyn?” online and came across information about PAG and was sold on the subspecialty, which entailed a two-year fellowship after she completed her Ob/Gyn residency.
“I love working with my patients and that I get to treat congenital abnormalities and do contraceptive counseling,” Dr. Smith says. “I am part of a hematology and gynecology clinic, where I treat girls with heavy periods and clotting disorders, and I also see girls with vulvar and menstrual concerns.”
Realizing that a young girl may be nervous the first time she visits a specialist such as herself, Dr. Smith says she lets them know there is nothing they should feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing with her. “I set expectations from the start and reassure them that I will only do a vaginal exam if it is necessary. And most of the time, it is not,” she says.
