COMPLIMENTARY
Vol 4. Issue 3
NEW HAMPSHIRE
WO M EN MAGAZINE
The Health and Wellness Magazine created for NH Women
Inside: Renew MediSpa
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NH Women Magazine / VOL 4 ISSUE 3
4/14/22 2:19
Seven Symptoms Women SHOULD NOT IGNORE Written for New Hampshire Women Magazine Let’s be honest, ladies, we take on so much in our lives. On a daily basis we balance careers, family life, and friends. We multitask, brainstorm, create, invent. We constantly think about everyone else and often forget about ourselves and our health. Have you ever had a new health symptom you put off because you were just too busy? It’s time to make sure we take care of ourselves so we can continue to take care of others. Let’s breakdown seven symptoms we need to watch out for and get to a doctor when we experience them. Nausea, Cold Sweats, Fatigue, Oh My!: Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women and it often presents differently than the traditional symptoms we’ve all heard about. “Women are
less likely to have chest pain [and more likely] to have nausea, cold sweats, and fatigue, “ explains Dr. Leisa Maxwell, D.O. at St. Joseph’s Family Medicine and Speciality Services in Hudson. “Sometimes, women will just have bad heartburn or shoulder pain.” And, women are more likely to have symptoms at rest, nighttime, and during stress. Dr. Maxwell says if you are experiencing strange symptoms at rest or during exercise, get into your doctor’s office to make sure it isn’t your heart no matter what age you are. “Younger people are becoming more affected because of obesity,” she says. “In fact, you have a four times greater chance of heart disease if you have diabetes.” Changes in Stool: Yes, it’s not a comfortable topic to discuss, but there can be changes in women’s stool that may indicate a serious health issue. “Thin stools or blood in stools can be an indicator of colon cancer,” says Dr. Maxwell.
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“We are seeing younger patients being diagnosed because of lifestyles— obesity, alcohol, smoking.” In fact, the American Cancer Society’s guidelines now recommend colorectal cancer screenings begin at age 45. Maxwell says that colonoscopies are the gold standard in diagnosing colon cancer and insurance companies aren’t pushing back with the age adjustment from 50 years old to 45 years old. “The second option is using Cologuard [to detect colon cancer],” says Dr. Maxwell. Cologuard is an at-home screening test for people ages 45 years old and older with an average risk of colon cancer. Excessive Fatigue: “As women, we often burn the candle at both ends,” explains Dr. Maxwell. “We put ourselves last and chalk up extra fatigue to sleeping less and stress.” But, Dr. Maxwell says excessive fatigue can be a symptom of thyroid issues, sleep apnea, or anemia— along with a host of other issues. “If you are suddenly
feeling something out of the ordinary and it’s been a couple of weeks, get it checked out,” says Dr. Maxwell, “When they are caught early, it can usually be treated.” Changes in Skin/Mole Skin Issues: “We are seeing melanomas in younger females and males,” says Dr. Maxwell. “Using a tanning bed once increases skin cancer risks by 50 percent.” Look out for redness that spreads past the borders of a mole. Also, itchy pain and tenderness that doesn’t go away or goes away and then comes back and oozing, bleeding, crustiness or the new appearance of a bump or lump. “Also, bloody discharge from the nipple could be a symptom of breast cancer.” Dr. Maxwell says. Post-Menopausal Vaginal bleeding: “Menstruating women bleed monthly, unless they are on birth control,” explains Jenny Smith, ARNP at St. Joseph’s Family Medicine and Speciality Services in Milford. “And women
past menopause, which is twelve months or more without bleeding, don’t.” Therefore, if you experience spotting or a menstrual cycle after going into menopause, you need to see your gynecologist. “It could be endometriosis, it could be a mass,” explains Smith. “Women will think it’s just a little blood and ignore it. And, cervical screening usually stops at 65 years old, so we don’t get pelvic exams and feeling for lumps just doesn’t get done as much.” Smith says, “post-menopausal bleeding doesn’t need to be painful or a lot of blood [to warrant a trip to the gynecologist].”
cause tightening and atrophy. And, it doesn’t have to be this way.” Smith says it can also be a cycle. If someone isn’t having sex because it is painful, things do tend to tighten up even more adding to the issue. “If intercourse is painful even once a month or more, get checked out,” says Smith. Painful intercourse can be a sign of lesions, prolapse, urinary problems, persistent yeast infections or gardnerella. “Women shouldn’t have to sacrifice intimacy because of pain,” explains Smith. “There are things that can be done to help. Women can be so relieved when I ask them about it. I make sure to ask them about it”
plains Smith. “If it’s a productive cough accompanied by shortness of breath and malaise, get seen right away.” Other times, a cough can linger after a cold or Covid. “Maybe it’s bronchitis that was exacerbated–if it’s been going on, you need to get it looked at,” says Smith. Many things can contribute to a new cough. Whether it’s from post-nasal drip that is worse in the morning due to secretions accumulating in the evening or a persistent cough because of environmental factors, see your doctor when you’re dealing with something new.
Painful Intercourse: “If it’s uncomfortable, it needs to be New Cough: “Anytime you have explored,” says Smith. “Over time, a cough with blood in it, you need gravity and less estrogen can to get looked at right away,” ex-
NH Women Magazine / VOL 4 ISSUE 3
POST-COVID HAIR LOSS: YOU’RE NOT ALONE Written for New Hampshire Women Magazine
Julie Pruett, owner
A lingering symptom of Covid-19 is making the headlines these days: post-covid hair loss. As if the chills, fever, and cough weren’t enough, many women are now experiencing hair loss, or Telogen Effluvium, a few months after recovering from this serious disease. New Hampshire Women Magazine turned to one of its favorite hair health experts to help readers understand what post-covid hair loss is and how sufferers can work through its challenges. “We’ve heard a lot about the symptoms of Covid, whether it’s the fever, the chills, the body aches, or the loss of taste and smell. Now, people are starting to lose their hair after they recover, which typically
of the clients who I saw in seems to be taking place 2021 and continue to see around one to three months now.” after recovery,” says Julie Pruett, owner of A Beautiful With hair loss comes a You, a personal, discreet, whirlwind of emotions. A and compassionate alterwoman’s hair is often seen native hair consultation as a symbol of her health service. “Of course, every and vitality. When it starts case is different, and hair to fall out after an illness loss could occur sooner. like Covid-19, or the birth So many people have had of a new child, the emoCovid at some point, and tional toll it takes can be the clients that I see who challenging to manage. are experiencing hair loss “Hair is obviously one of as a result, I would guess the biggest sources of self it to be around 30 percent, confidence within a woman,” which to me is a lot.” Pruett says Pruett. “Women idensays some people will also tify with their hair, so hair suffer from Trichodynia, a is everything to a woman. major symptom of Telogen When hair loss is unexpectEffluvium, which can cause ed and you’ve never dealt tenderness, burning, pain, with it before, it can itching, and stinging on the be pretty devastating. scalp—along with general I tell my clients not to thinning all around the head. feel ashamed by being concerned about Pruett says her post-covid their appearance. hair loss clients are preThey need to give senting similarly to hair themselves permisloss after childbirth. “I had sion to care and feel no idea that hair loss was bad about their hair a symptom,” she explains. loss. Then I can help “I saw my first case of it them to get a handle within the last few months on the situation and of 2020, but at that time, we can do somea lot of people weren’t thing positive about talking about hair loss due it. Women with hair to Covid, so it really wasn’t loss should never be a thing. I can tell you most embarrassed about certainly that it is from all
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feeling bad.” At A Beautiful You, Pruett consults with women and provides high-quality hair alternatives to help women in their time of need. “Building confidence goes hand in hand with what I do,” explains Pruett. “It’s just a wonderful thing to be able to show clients what is possible, and that there are so many beautiful options and solutions. No one needs to hide in their house with shame.” Clients of Pruett’s say the hair loss that comes with contracting
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how it impacts the people around you.”
Covid-19 was shocking and nearly debilitating. “I had a severe case and lost a total of 20 pounds in just two weeks,” a client named Donna explains. “Then, three months later, I noticed hair in my sink, shower and brushes. Initially I didn’t think anything of it. The hair loss began three months after I was diagnosed with Covid. My hair was fine and thin to begin with and the hair just started coming out in clumps. I was devastated as I had a severe receding hairline and bald spots in the crown area. [The] hair loss lasted about six months. In that time, I lost about 40 percent of my hair. I started taking megadoses of vitamins and decided to go with a wig as my appearance changed drastically. I didn’t even want to go out in public. Julie was very kind and understanding of my situation and helped me gain my confidence back. I do have hair growth but my hair hasn’t grown back the same before Covid. I continue to take
vitamins and am considered a long hauler as I have other chronic symptoms. The alternative hair has been a lifesaver for me.”
Pruett does have recommendations for self-care during post-covid hair loss. “With the hair loss and shedding, there’s nothing you can do to help it grow back,” she explains. “You just need to have patience with that phase but you can try to strengthen the hair you do have left so it stops breaking from the ends up. I prefer to use intense treatments such as Olaplex to keep the hair you have strong and healthy. As far as shampoo and conditioner for home care, I love and highly recommend either the Oribe Hair Alchemy line of products, or the Kerastase Genesis line of products. They both do a noticeable job to strengthen weak and fragile hair, prevent breakage and hair
fall, and add moisture.” Pruett explains that most of the time this type of hair loss is not permanent. “It is most likely reversible,” she says. “I think that most of the time clients will get back to where they were, it will just take a little bit longer not only for the Telogen Effluvium itself to resolve but also for the hair to grow back. It can take up to a year to notice regrowth. Thankfully, there are solutions while you wait!”
“I was dealing with a lot. [I] went back to work [and If you are experiencing was] not 100 percent well,” hair loss and would like a second client explains. “I to set up a consultation struggled getting through with Julie Pruett, owner my work day as I work 10of A Beautiful You, visit 12 hours daily as a nursing her website at https:// director. Before I purchased www.abeautifulyoubyjuthe [alternative hair] I was lie.com/. ridiculed at work by peers [like being] called ‘baldy’ with other comments thrown in, which made me feel very self conscious about my appearance. People don’t realize how severe casWig & Alternative hair Solutions es of Covid PERSONAL • DISCREET • COMPASSIONATE change a person’s 12 Parmenter Road/Suite A6 Londonderry, NH 03053 (603) 930-0478 abeautifulyoubyjulie@gmail.com outlook abeautifulyoubyjulie.com on life and
NH Women Magazine / VOL 4 ISSUE 3
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MEET PATRICIA BENJAMIN: DIRECTOR OF INFECTION PREVENTION AT SOUTHERN NH HEALTH Written for New Hampshire Women Magazine
For Patricia Benjamin, director of infection prevention at Southern NH Health, the Covid-19 pandemic was a powerhouse of an infectious disease she’d been unknowingly preparing to deal with for decades. As a young girl intrigued by the world of medicine, an aunt who worked in a laboratory, and a seventies television series named Quincy, she was inspired to study in the field of medical technology. Today, with decades of experience in the prevention of infectious diseases, she leads a team of experts specializing in preventing healthcare facility infections and containing the spread of infectious organisms. Patricia earned her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from the University of
Lowell (now UMass-Lowell), she earned her ASCP Board of Certification, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from NH College (now Southern New Hampshire University), and became certified in Infection Control. Like her mentor, Aunt Bev, she began her career in the laboratory in Lowell, Massachusetts. After that, Patricia became a technical supervisor in the microbiology laboratory at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Massachusetts and then was hired in the microbiology laboratory for Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua.
for a patient’s treatment.” But, not every day is ordinary. Patricia says she had to be prepared for much more serious infectious diseases such tuberculosis and bioterrorism microorPatricia Benjamin ganisms, which meant using special biological hoods in different departments each the laboratory. “We also and every day—pharmacy, received surveys of those food and environmental organisms to maintain com- services, engineering and petency in recognizing them OR staff to name just a few. in cultures,” she says. “Pay- All aspects of the hospital ing close attention to detail are involved in protecting is important in most jobs patients, visitors, staff, and but it is critical in healthcare outside contractors from when patients' lives are on getting infections while in the line.” the facility. It is so interesting.” With 18 years of experience at Southern New Hampshire Attention to detail, compasA typical day in the laboraHealth under her belt, Pasion, and a critical eye are tory meant processing spec- tricia was promoted to the just some of the traits that imens to determine what role of director of infection lay the groundwork for a types of bacteria, viruses, prevention at Southern New successful career in infecparasites were causing the Hampshire Health, which tion control and prevention. patient infection and how to required extensive training “Every day comes with treat them. “Once you learn before taking the position. new challenges and issues how to work with these “I’ve met so many people to solve, so I need to be specimens, you become very in my 18 years in the lab,” able to adjust my schedule comfortable,” she says. “I she says. “But, when I took and thinking to whatever really enjoyed running tests this new position, there’s new task is at hand,” she to identify pathogens and a whole different realm of says. “At times, I feel like which antibiotics were best people. I work with many a detective. I am working
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to identify the source of a problem or issue and finding a resolution. Infection prevention can be a demanding and challenging profession, but is also rewarding knowing that I am making a difference in a patient's hospital admission as well as keeping staff safe at work.”
front-line decision making and communicating the policies to staff,” Patricia explains. “By being available to answer staff questions via telephone, email and rounding, I was able to gain the trust of the staff. Having their trust and confidence was very important to me. It allowed us to work together through different scenarios One year after transition- and determine what is best ing to her new position full for everyone involved.” time, the coronavirus hit the United States. “Did I Patricia also remembers ever think as a prevention how stressful managing specialist that we’d see this rapidly spreading virus this? No,” Patricia says. became. “It became a whirl“In becoming an infection wind,” Patricia recalls. “We preventionist, I learned were on calls all day and about past pandemics night. I continuously was and epidemics. You train working on Covid-19 guidefor the ‘what if’ based on lines and policies as well as what was done in the past my regular daily work to to prevent the spread of do. You’d have a policy one infection. But never in my day and then have to update wildest dreams did I think the policy the next because I would actually experithe CDC would learn more ence one.” about the virus and the recommendations would After the coronavirus change. Oftentimes, I would made its way to the Unit- just get home from work, ed States, a multidiscisit down to eat dinner, and plinary Incident Command my phone would ring with Team (ICT) was swiftly questions on what should be assembled at the hospidone for a particular cirtal, which put Benjamin cumstance.” at the helm of looking to the Center for Disease Patricia says the most frightControl (CDC) and the ening aspect of Covid-19 State for guidance and was the unknown. “We were writing policies to keep unsure of so many parts [of the hospital’s patients, it],” she says. “How it spread volunteers, and employees so rapidly. It was very scary safe. “I was involved in trying to protect patients
and families. It was a very scary and stressful time.”
arose to form multi-disciplinary teams to make recommendations with Coming through the corona- the ever-changing CDC virus pandemic and entering guidelines. I am very a new phase of the transmis- lucky to have worked sible disease, Patricia says with an amazing group it’s prepared them for the of people during this possibility of new viruses time and that we were and bacteria, but she hopes able to achieve a safe we won’t see that anytime workplace for staff and soon. “Hopefully not in the a safe healthcare facility near future, but as history for patients.” has shown us, the possibility does exist,” she says. After decades of service, “Learning and understanding Patricia says her future past pandemics helps prein infection prevention pare for what is needed to and control at the hospikeep people safe (patients, tal is brighter than ever. staff, visitors) [such as] what “I believe the pandempersonal protective equipic has made infection ment (PPE) is needed, how prevention become a to clean surfaces, and the household practice,” she importance of hand hygiene. says. “I’m always availThe hardest thing is knowable to answer questions ing how the ‘new’ virus or or help provide training bacteria is transmitted and to staff on best infection how to prevent the spread prevention practices. I of infection.” would also like to be able to help in high-risk The pandemic also brought settings like nursing the importance and value homes and rehab faof infection prevention to cilities if or when they the forefront in healthcare. needed guidance. I “Infection prevention has would also like to have always played a critical role more people involved in in preventing infections in infection prevention and the hospital,” she explains. [have them] be the infec“The Covid pandemic certion prevention champitainly shined a bright light on in their department. on just how important my The future may see an role was and still is. I would increase in demand for collaborate with my colinfection prevention leagues frequently to ensure specialists not just in the what we were doing was healthcare industry but best. Many opportunities also in large companies.”
NH Women Magazine / VOL 4 ISSUE 3
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10 / VOL 4 ISSUE 3 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
New Hampshire Women Magazine’s print publication is published by Melissa DiOrio of Gracant Communications (melissa@nhwomenmagazine.com). The name ‘New Hampshire Women Magazine’ is registered as a trade name with the State of New Hampshire by SG Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission. The term ‘New Hampshire Women’ is registered as a trademark with the State of New Hampshire by SG Communications, LLC and is used herein with its permission.
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MEDICAL SPA | SPECIAL SECTION
AGNES RF for Acne Dr. Lisa Vuich is a graduate of Tufts University (1988) and Tufts University School of Medicine (1992). She opened Renew MediSpa in 2006 and has worked steadily since then to ensure that Renew MediSpa remains at the cutting edge of the latest advancements in nonsurgical aesthetics. She is a nationally recognized injector, a member of numerous aesthetic organizations, a Key Opinion Leader for several aesthetic companies, and a Master Clinical instructor for Specialty Med Training. She is board certified by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and regularly instructs physicians and other providers on injection technique, platelet-rich plasma therapies and other aesthetic procedures through the Renew MediSpa Training Institute.
Acne, or acne vulgaris, as it is clinically known, occurs when some of the oil glands in the skin are hyperactive. The sebum “oil” produced by these hyperactive glands subsequently clogs up the adjacent pores. When these clogged pores become inflamed and infected, red, angry and pus filled, papular and cystic acne lesions are the end result. Acne can occur at almost any age. It is particularly prevalent in teenage years, a time when hormones called androgens are rising
and cause an increase in the size of the skin’s oil glands. Adult-onset acne also tends to occur in the setting of changing hormone levels, such as menopause. The most common forms of treatment for acne, topical agents either OTC or by prescription, seek to reduce oil production and/or reduce the acne promoting bacteria on the skin, but fail to eliminate the root cause of the problem- the overactive sebaceous glands. As such they are often only partially effective and frequently need to be
used daily and in combination (more than one agent at a time)- leading to issues with both cost and compliance. For moderate to severe acne, which has a high risk of producing scars, often the only truly effective treatment was to have the patient take isotretinoin orally (ex: brand name Accutane). Isotretinoin has a long history of success in controlling acne, but its use comes with substantial restrictions and significant potential side effects. To begin with, it causes birth defects. Because of this, it can only be prescribed by certain registered providers through a monitoring program called iPledge- which requires very rigid compliance with a prescription schedule, frequent pregnancy testing, and mandatory use of two methods of birth control. Another issue with isotretinoin is that it cannot target “only the overactive sebaceous glands,”and thus
a common side effect is dry skin due to too much sebaceous gland suppression. Finally, a number of other significant potential side effects exists with this medication (too many in fact to list here) which raises understandable concern so that many patients and/ or their parents are unwilling to take the risks. Faced with a patient population frustrated by inadequate control of acne, it is no wonder that it was a dermatologist who sought to develop a “permanent cure” for this condition. Continued on Page 13
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AGNES RF was carefully developed over the course of two decades by dermatologist Dr. Gun Young Ahn in Korea. The RF stands for radiofrequency, an energy which has been used for collagen stimulation for over 100 years. What is unique about AGNES RF is its ability to target individual sebaceous glands safely and effectively, without causing harm to other adjacent skin structures. The AGNES RF Acne treatment targets the root cause of the problem in acne by selectively ablating only the hyperactive oil glands in the skin. When these hyperactive oil glands are
destroyed, their pores Agent for Mayflower Transit no longer get infected and inflamed. Oil glands, which are Marissa R. McLaughlin Certified Moving Consultant not overactive, are not targeted and can McLaughlin Transportation Systems, Inc. continue to function 20 Progress Ave., Nashua, NH 03062 Office: 603-883-4000 Direct: 603-966-3836 normally. Over the Toll Free: 800-258-6683 Cell: 603-521-4335 course of a series mRm@McMoving.com McMoving.com of sessions, more and more overactive glands are eliminated until such er breakouts noted since the time as acne breakouts no lontreated glands are no longer ger occur. functioning. In general, three to five sessions may be needed The treatment begins with a (four or more weeks apart) to mini facial to identify which eliminate acne breakouts. AGpores will be treated during NES RF can be used on acne that session and extract excess affecting the back and chest, in oil from those glands. A preaddition to the face and neck. scription grade topical numbing Topical medication use would agent is then applied for about be expected to be reduced and 30 minutes. After removing this then ultimately eliminated. cream, the technician will treat each overactive gland one by one until all have been targeted (a process which takes 15 to 30 minutes on average). Post procedure the patient will experience some redness, and a few days during which further excess oil is expelled from the skin. Once this clears up, gradual improvement is seen, with few-
AGNES RF can effectively treat all forms of acne including whiteheads, blackheads, pustules and cysts, and it is also used to treat “ice pick” and other types of acne scars. For more information on AGNES RF for Acne, contact Renew MediSpa at 603894-0070, or start a chat on our website www.renewmedispa.com.
NH Women Magazine / VOL 4 ISSUE 3
MEET DR. HOLLY MINTZ, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER OF ELLIOT AMBULATORY SERVICES Written for New Hampshire Women Magazine
It’s been over two decades since Dr. Holly Mintz was offered a job opportunity as a pediatrician in New Hampshire—a state she’d never been to before—and she’s never left. Today, she is the Chief Medical Officer of Elliot Ambulatory Services in Manchester and calls New Hampshire her home. As a Washington state native, Dr. Mintz had briefly visited Maine and Boston, but never spent time in New Hampshire. “I landed [in Manchester] only because my significant other had vacationed in New England and we thought we would give it a try,” she says. “I love to ski and also love the city, so Manchester was a perfect location being close to the mountains and Boston. I thought this would be a two or three year stint for me, [but] by the end of the second year, I knew I had found my home.” By 2007, Dr. Mintz was fully immersed in the Manchester
community and earned a leadership role as the Associate Medical Director of Pediatrics. During this time, she began to work hard on critical healthcare initiatives. “Asthma is one of the most common illnesses in children,” says Dr. Mintz. “In 2007, we embarked on a journey to make certain we were providing the highest quality of care managing asthma and closely monitoring the progress and prevention of exacerbations, [while] ensuring we were practicing according to the most recent guidelines. This included making sure every patient had an asthma assessment periodically and when requiring their medications, ensuring we were prescribing preventive medicine when indicated, and working with pulmonologists with more chronic and complicated cases. We also opened a pediatric emergency room–the only one in the state–so that pediatric emergency specialists are seeing children, mostly in an environment suited for children. We have, and continue to, expand
access to behavioral health services for children with recruitment of pediatric psychiatrists, and have brought many pediatric subspecialists to the area in order to allow children to remain local for treatment.” She also saw the struggles community members had with mental health and worked on an initiative to improve access to care. “The behavioral health initiative has involved placing a behavioral health consultant in practices to improve resources, evaluation and referrals while a patient is in the primary care office and needing an assessment. We also recognize the increasing need for medicationassisted treatment
for substance use disorder, and strive to provide access for care and increase the number of providers who offer this service.” In 2017, Dr. Mintz became the Executive Director of Primary Care, which meant she was able to get involved with the challenges of all types of different care spanning from pediatrics to geriatrics. And by 2018,
Dr. Holly Mintz (Far Left) 14 / VOL 4 ISSUE 3 / NEW HAMPSHIRE WOMEN MAGAZINE
she was promoted to the role of Chief Medical Officer for Elliot Ambulatory Services. “It was a very difficult decision to give up seeing patients on a regular basis,” she says, “however, I love the fact that I am [still] serving.” In her role as Chief Medical Officer, she is able to bring outpatient perspectives to the senior leadership team and get involved with the strategy and operations teams to make a difference in the Manchester area. “We have worked to recruit amazing clinicians as well as staff, both clinical and nonclinical, to improve access for patients in our community. We continue to focus on offering the highest quality of compassionate care in all aspects of our outpatient clinics, for every age group. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Mintz worked to make sure the medical staff were taking care of themselves as burnout rates were so high. “I’ve been in their shoes as an outpatient physician,” she says. “I’d meet with them every week, sometimes every evening, and would be able to elevate their needs to a system level of leadership. They know I understand their world and the challenges they were facing.” She also developed ways to ease burdens as a team, and offer options for treatment that extended beyond the walls of the usual clinic. “I want people to love what they are doing,” she said. “If we can assist and help them just focus on their patients—that’s a great day for me.” Dr. Mintz admits that providers have had a difficult time with the politicization of Covid-19. “People don’t always want to hear what the provider has to say when discussing Covid,” she explains. “If a patient
has trouble sleeping, or abdominal pain, patients are very interested in their provider’s opinion. Covid has seemed very different for some. I am hopeful things will go back and evolve to a place where we can offer tools to help and that vaccine discussions aren’t contentious any longer.” During her time as Chief Medical Officer, she also managed to earn her Masters of Business Administration in order to learn and perform her best in her role. Her studies focused on operations, strategy, and finance. Yet, through all of this, she makes giving time for herself a priority. “It took me a long time to understand my need for this,” she explains. “I focus on a few things. I try to attend my beloved Orange Theory class multiple times during the week [because] I work off a lot of stress, just follow directions and enjoy the camaraderie knowing how great it is for my health. I also try to spend time with my daughters and my friends, [while] focusing on the quality of time and not the quantity.”
in other places. I saw cases and pathology that you just wouldn’t see in the United States. Heart-wrenching is the most appropriate word I can think of. [Here], if a child is prenatally diagnosed with a heart condition they are set up with all the care they need immediately after birth. The children I saw had no options for surgery. People would stand in line for hours upon hours to see us, and we would not have anything to offer for these chronic conditions. I was shocked at the barriers to care, from transportation to costs to lack of clinicians and resources.” Dr. Mintz said people are going to have to “tell her when to retire” and she’s not going anywhere any time soon. “I love the focus on our true north: ‘To be the first choice to give and receive care’ in New Hampshire,” she says. “I love focusing on initiatives that will improve care for patients, allow for the highest quality of care and patient satisfaction, and provide the best environment for clinicians to provide care–especially during this time when practicing medicine is so challenging. I love that my role is inclusive of medicine, quality, human resources, finance, strategy and operations-–all in an effort to have patients want to be seen at the Elliot, and clinicians want to work with the Elliot.”
Looking to the future, Dr. Mintz says her retirement could include a long-term global health journey because of her past travels to remote parts of the world with limited healthcare access. “I’d always wanted to do an international volunteer trip, but waited until one of my daughters was old enough to accompany me,” she says. “It is frightening how there is such little access to care
NH Women Magazine / VOL 4 ISSUE 3
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