Women’s health is a broad term encompassing many facets of comprehensive healthcare. From general wellness to routine annual exams and gynecological health, the team at the St. Anthony Clinic is available to support females ages 10 and up throughout their healthcare journey.

New(ish) to the roster is Dr. Maria Hernandez, a board-certified urogynecologist specializing in women’s health and female pelvic floor disorders. While she is stepping into a new role with the hospital this year, Dr. Hernandez is no stranger to St. Anthony and the Carroll community.

“This is my second time at St. Anthony,” notes Dr. Hernandez. “I worked here from 2015 to 2021 and only left to support my mother when her health began to fail. I’m now happy to have returned in April this year, offering similar services to the St. Anthony community. The St. Anthony leadership team has been so welcoming upon my return. In fact, they told me I’m not allowed to leave again. That’s the highest compliment they can pay me.”

In addition to general women’s health, Dr. Hernandez’s areas of expertise include pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and other gynecologic conditions. She’s also well versed in advanced robotic surgical procedures, offering laparoscopic, vaginal and abdominal approaches to surgeries.

“I currently provide three different areas of care,” says Dr. Hernandez. “General gynecology care, so supporting patients with abnormal Paps, vaginitis, ovarian cysts, STIs and menopausal concerns; as well as gynecology surgery care, which includes hysterectomies and ovarian cyst removal; and then urogynecologic care, so helping patients with pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, recurring UTIs, bladder pain and bowel issues.”

The value of urogynecology and pelvic floor support

Urogynecology and pelvic floor care can be life-changing for women. The challenge lies in being comfortable enough to approach your healthcare team about any dysfunctions you’re experiencing.  

Dr. Hernandez notes that pelvic organ prolapse and bladder incontinence are the most common problems she sees patients for, but her hope is for more women to seek help.

“Pelvic floor dysfunction is very common; it affects roughly 1 in every 4 women greater than 20 years of age,” she says. “And 1 in 5 women will undergo a surgery related to pelvic floor disorders.”

She adds that “life” is what causes these issues, whether it’s genetics, having a baby, lifting heavy items or chronic constipation — it’s all quite common and something that can greatly affect women’s quality of life. While it can be embarrassing to talk about, if left untreated, these dysfunctions can lead to more serious and longer-term issues.

“It’s a game changer when patients seek help and we treat these conditions,” says Dr. Hernandez. “But, until women feel comfortable sharing these details with their provider, they often go untreated. I promise, we’re discreet, and pelvic floor issues are common. There is no need to feel embarrassed. We’re here to help. Pelvic exams are crucial to diagnosing and establishing a treatment plan, but I would never require a patient to be examined if they’re uncomfortable. We strive to create an environment that supports our patients.”

Behind the white coat: A little more about Dr. Hernandez

As a newer physician on the roster, Dr. Hernandez wanted the St. Anthony community to get to know a little more about her, so patients can feel at ease and have something extra to talk about when they schedule an appointment with her. Enjoy these tidbits about her background, her path to medicine and what she enjoys when she’s not delivering compassionate care.

1. What first drew you to medicine, and specifically to gynecology and urogynecology?

I don’t really think there was one thing that drew me into medicine — I just always knew I wanted to be in it. At first, I thought about veterinary medicine. In high school, it turned to medicine for people. My path to medicine was a little convoluted. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in rehabilitation. I found a volunteer opportunity in a free clinic. This exposure to medicine fortified my desire to go medical school, and Dr. John Molina told me I was smart enough. 

In medical school, I thought emergency medicine was super interesting. But OB-GYN provided the opportunity to work in multiple environments, perform surgeries and procedures, and establish relationships with patients. I liked the variety. In residency, Dr. William T. Griffin planted the seed to consider specializing in urogynecology. He told me that I “had good hands” and nurtured my professional growth by allowing me to participate in difficult cases. 

It’s interesting how life unfolds.   

2. Where are you originally from, and how did you land in Carroll?

I’m from Arizona. I met a man from Iowa in California. After getting married, we moved back to Phoenix and started a family. Then, I decided I wanted to be a doctor. I matriculated at the University of Iowa. As a young family, we needed family support to remain sane. We exchanged my immediate family in Arizona for his extended family in Iowa.

We traveled to other states for residency, fellowship and employment. I had been working in a private practice setting, which had interesting dynamics in the medical community. I recognized the need to work in a multispecialty clinic to function as a cohesive group caring for patients. St. Anthony provided this environment, and I joined the medical staff in 2015.   

3. Outside of medicine, what do you enjoy doing? 

I have lots of personal interests. Most involve working with my hands. I am an avid knitter. I started with the intent of making socks. However, I spend most of my knitting time making sweaters and hats. I am learning to make quilts and do my own free-motion quilting. I embroider tea towels. I am learning Sashiko, a type of Japanese needlework, which I am incorporating into my visible mending.

I enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s gardening, hiking or walking my dog. I really enjoy traveling with my family. My husband had traveled extensively when we met, and he has taken our family to see much of the U.S. I have been to 49 states and am hoping to travel to Alaska next year to complete the goal of visiting all 50 states.

4. What makes you passionate about the work you do?

I have spent the bulk of my career working in underserved areas and in rural communities; this has been intentional. Patients often have to travel long distances for specialty care. The average urogynecology patient is older and may have many barriers to obtaining specialty care. They may be uncomfortable traveling to bigger cities, need assistance with transportation, live on a limited income, etc. It is very satisfying to provide a higher level of care to patients closer to home.

I feel very privileged to have obtained the education and training necessary to help diagnose and treat pelvic floor conditions. This care is vital and restores a woman’s quality of life.  I am glad to be working at St. Anthony. This is a great community, with a wonderful patient population, colleagues committed to excellent care and a supportive hospital administration.

5. Is there anything else you’d want patients to know about you before they walk into your office for the first time?

I would tell them that I want them to be comfortable. They should always find a provider they feel comfortable talking to and with. These issues are very common — personal, yes, but common. There are good treatments available to them when they’re ready.

And I would also say that, if you’re on the fence about intervention, when the issue bothers you more days than not, it’s time to do something. Don’t wait until it’s a constant burden before you seek help.

To schedule a consultation or appointment with Dr. Hernandez, call the St. Anthony Clinic at 712-792-2222or visit this link. She is in the office Tuesday and Thursday in Carroll and in Denison on Wednesday and Friday. She also speaks Spanish and is ready to serve all female patient populations.