Hot Topics in Women's Health

Maureen Whelihan, MD, FACOG, gynecologist with and president of Elite GYN Care of the Palm Beaches and State Legislative Chair for the American College of Gynecologists District XII chapter, and Catherine E. Gordon, MD, fellow in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Brigham and Women's Hospital, spoke with Healio about caring for adolescent patients.

In the first video in this series, Whelihan spoke about balances patient vs. parent needs when managing adolescents.

“It’s really all psychology to me,” she explained. “I understand both sides.”

Whelihan also discussed:

• How she establishes privacy and autonomy for her patients;
• The importance of understanding privacy and HIPPA laws;
• Speaking with adolescent patients about sexual habits, pregnancy prevention and STI screening;
• Hormone treatment for transgender youth;
• Addressing HPV vaccination; and
• Being aware of personal biases.

In the second video in this series, Gordon highlighted support and education for patients who have just begun menstruating.

She discussed:

• How to talk to adolescent patients about what is and is not normal in the first few years of menstruating;
• HPV vaccination;
• Conversations to have with adolescent patients concerning sexual health, birth control options, and STI prevention, screening and treatment; and
• A resource for clinicians to provide patients and their families.