Susan Saretsky PT B.Sc., PT (Pelvic Floor Therapist); Dr. Susan Poelman M.Sc., MD, FRCPC (Dermatology); Dr. Matthew Grossi B.Sc., MD, FRCPC (Obstetrics & Gynecology); Dr. Danya Traboulsi MD, FRCPC, FAAD (Dermatology).
Beacon Dermatology – Women’s Health Clinic Team helps women struggling with below-the-belt issues Beacon Dermatology’s Women’s Health Clinic is a unique resource
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omen experiencing hidden but very real health struggles below the belt can turn to a team of medical experts for elusive solutions. By addressing the overlap between gynecology and dermatology, the Women’s Health Clinic offers patients comprehensive treatment for conditions involving the female genitalia, labia and vulva. “Any woman with a vagina and a vulva can have a problem,” says dermatologist, Dr. Danya Traboulsi. “It’s really a multidisciplinary team. We are all in the same place and I feel patients feel really cared for and are more likely to buy into treatment.” Medical director, Dr. Susan Poelman, says the unique collaboration of professionals teams up two dermatologists, an obstetrician/gynecologist and a
women's health physical therapist. Rather than women enduring long waits to see specialists and delayed treatment, the blend of talents at this clinic translates into excellence in patient care, often during a single appointment. And the team approach also lends to increased comfort levels for patients with conditions creating burning, itching, pain and debilitating scarring which, let’s be honest, are not always easy to discuss even with a medical professional. “It is very, very gratifying to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. We have patients that drive eight hours to see us and I think that’s a testimony to how well this system works,” Poelman says. “A patient will suffer for 20 years with a condition and not get a diagnosis and
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then we will give them a diagnosis and a treatment plan. There are a lot of tears because they have never had anyone who understood their disease. Not only are they heard but they have hope that things can be better.” Women are referred to the clinic for conditions such as lichen planus, lichen sclerosis, atrophic vaginitis, vulvodynia, vulvar psoriasis, vulvar contact dermatitis and labial melanosis. Although not typically life-threatening, pain and discomfort which can leave some unable to sit or walk, can be life-altering. That’s why obstetrician/gynecologist, Dr. Matthew Grossi wanted to be on the team. “I think it’s a very underserved area in women’s health and an area where residents, whether in obstetrics and gynecology or
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