Baby on the way? We’ve got a provider for you

Obstetrics-Gynecology Physician

An obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) is a specialist physician who has intensive training and experience in providing medical and surgical care for pregnancy, childbirth and disorders of the female reproductive system. At GRHS, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Hieronimus help women with gynecological concerns, provide comprehensive prenatal care for low-risk and high-risk pregnancies, and perform vaginal and C-section deliveries. Our family medicine obstetrics providers and nurse midwives consult with our OB-GYN physicians as needed to manage complex cases. The OB-GYN physicians also accept referrals for high-risk pregnancies and difficult deliveries.

Family Medicine Physician

Family medicine doctors provide routine care throughout patients’ lifetimes. Some family medicine physicians –including Dr. Budahn, Dr. Leino and Dr. Olson at GRHS – also provide prenatal care, attend vaginal births and assist at C-section deliveries. They also can continue to see mothers and babies for general health concerns long after delivery. In cases where a pregnancy is considered high-risk or complications develop, they will work with or refer to an OB-GYN and/or perinatology specialist to manage care for the expectant mother and unborn baby.

Family Medicine Physician Assistant

Family medicine physician assistants have completed graduate-level education and certification to provide routine care to patients of all ages as part of a team that also includes a physician. At GRHS, Kari Knodel Vettel provides routine prenatal care and attends vaginal deliveries. She is also qualified to assist during C-section deliveries and will work closely with a physician to co-manage care or refer to a specialist if complications arise during a pregnancy. As a family medicine provider, Kari can continue to see mothers and babies for general health concerns long after delivery.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Nurse midwives have completed graduate-level education and certification to provide care for women and babies before, during and immediately after childbirth. At GRHS, nurse midwives Laurel McKeever and Michele Quale attend vaginal births, including water births, and may assist at C-section deliveries. They emphasize natural approaches to labor management. In cases of high-risk pregnancy, they refer to or consult with an OB-GYN physician and/or a perinatology specialist. With dual certification as a family nurse practitioner, Michelle Quale can see mothers and babies for general health concerns long after delivery.