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2026 Media © BestOCTOBER Version

C LEA L I V I N G

MEET DR. MORGANA COLOMBO

COVER PHOTO BY MYRTLE ROY

E N G I N E E R E D

F O R T H O S E

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© Best Version Media DEAR McLEAN NEIGHBORS, PUBLICATION TEAM Publisher: Gloria Fonseca Publisher Assistant: Daniela Banegas Designer: Hannah Argall Social Media Administrator: Andrea Simon Photographer: Myrtle Roy ADVERTISING Contact: Gloria Fonseca Email: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com Phone: 703-868-8071 FEEDBACK/IDEAS/SUBMISSIONS Have feedback, ideas or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas and photos to: gbruni@bestversionmedia.com.

CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE (5 days prior to the Submission Deadline; remember Content Submission Deadline dates of the 20th or later refer to a magazine edition 2 months out.)

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There is something about this time of year that brings a new kind of energy. The season is changing, routines are settling in, and we are entering one of my favorite parts of the year, filled with community traditions and reasons to come together. One event I especially hope you will support is the McLean 5K, hosted by the McLean Community Foundation. Traditions like this matter because they bring neighbors together, support local organizations, and remind us what makes McLean such a special place to call home. I hope you will come out, bring your family and friends, and join us. I hope to see you there!

FROM THE SOCIAL DESK By ANDREA SIMON Social Media Administrator

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And just like that, we enter the months that feel a little warmer, a little cozier, and a lot more magical.

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EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS To learn more about becoming an EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR, contact Gloria at: 703-868-8071 or gbruni@bestversionmedia.com LUXURY JEWELRY Alicia Villars | Helvetia 703-401-9679 | www.Helvetiajewelry.com

LEGAL SERVICES Amy Griggs | Tysons Trial Law, PLLC 703-643-4021 | www.tysonstriallaw.com

LANDSCAPING - RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL Andre Passos | Residential & Commercial Landscaping 571.290.2219 | groundguys.com

WOMEN’S WELLNESS Dr. Anna Le—Chief Executive Officer, Anna Health Annandale OBGYN PC (703) 642-7522 | www.annandaleobgyn.com

PEDIATRIC DENTIST Gema Island / Island Dentistry & Orthodontics 703-790-1320 | islandchildrensdentistry.com

HOME DESIGN & INTERIORS Anna Gibson - Founder & Principal Designer AKG Design Studio (571) 446-1108 | www.AKGdesignstudio.com

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Stephanie Q. Lawrence | Vinson Hall 540-314-8745 | vinsonshall.org

ESTATE PLANNING Justine Sennott, Esq. PJI Law 703-865-6100 | www.pjilaw.com

LUXURY REAL ESTATE AGENT Crystal Sheehan - Keller Williams Realty | Luxury Real Estate Agent 703-822-3217 | www.mcleanluxuryhome.com

MOVING SERVICES Taylor Herrera Prime Care Moving 703-209-1711 | primecaremoving.com

FINANCIAL WELLNESS Lafayette Federal Credit Union Team Lafayette Federal Credit Union 240.747.3166 | www.lfcu.org INFANT FEEDING DIFFICULTIES & LASER FRENECTOMY Dr. Rishita Jaju | Smile Wonders 571-350-3663 | smilewonders.com

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DR. MORGANA COLOMBO THE FULLEST VERSION OF HERSELF By SOFIA ROMAN

| Professional photos by MYRTLE ROY

At the end of a long workday, after patients have been seen and the responsibilities of running a medical practice have quieted, Dr. Morgana Colombo has a favorite place to be. It is at home, reading books with her children before bed, one of the few moments in a full day when everything else can wait. Long before Morgana became a physician, business owner, wife, or mother, another strong woman was teaching her to understand her own potential.

A MOTHER WHO TAUGHT HER TO BELIEVE Morgana grew up in Brasilia, Brazil, surrounded by family, friends, and the energy of city life. She remembers climbing trees, swimming, drawing, playing with dolls, and spending much of her childhood outdoors. At the center of those years was her mother. “My mother had the greatest influence on me growing up,” Morgana says. “She always supported me and made sure I was challenged and aimed to become the best version of myself.” Her mother was encouraging, but she also had expectations. She taught Morgana accountability, confidence, and the importance of understanding her value. “She made sure I knew my potential and never feared competition and understood my value as a female,” Morgana says. “I’m a bit of

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a feminist, and a lot of that came from her always empowering me.” Those lessons followed her to the United States, where Morgana first arrived as an exchange student in rural Pennsylvania. The transition from Brasilia was difficult at first, but she adapted, made friends, and eventually built a new life.

FINDING MEDICINE Medicine was not originally part of Morgana’s plan. As a child, she imagined becoming a diplomat and traveling the world. Her mother, however, often told her she hoped she would become a doctor. When Morgana entered college in the United States, she was undecided. Then she began taking science courses and discovered how much she enjoyed them. Dermatology came later, almost by chance. While pursuing her master’s degree, she found a research position in a dermatology department. Through research, clinical exposure, and mentorship, she discovered a specialty that fascinated her. Her training included both internal medicine and dermatology, giving her a broader understanding of how skin conditions can connect to overall health. Morgana has practiced in the Washington area since 2011 and today serves as Medical Director of Integrated Dermatology of Reston.

© Best Version Media When she purchased the practice from a retiring physician, it was small and traditional. Morgana saw the potential to build something larger. She expanded services, implemented new systems, assembled a team, and transformed the practice into a modern operation offering medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. That transformation remains one of her proudest professional achievements. But while she was building a career and a business, Morgana was also building the part of her life that would change her definition of success.

BECOMING MOM Ten years ago, Morgana met her husband, Will, on Bumble. “We met online like most people these days,” she says. Early in their relationship, they traveled, attended concerts, explored restaurants, hiked, and visited California and Big Sur only about a month after meeting. Today, their adventures look a little different. Their McLean home includes Morgana and Will, their children William and Maya, dogs Oli and Ophelia, and their au pair, Kelly. She loves walking through the door after work and having her children run toward her. Six-year-old William has a habit of pretending to catch her kisses in his hand and place them over his heart. Four-year-old Maya, her self-described “little princess,” loves pink, dolls, stuffed animals, and Disney princesses. She is also developing strong opinions about what girls can accomplish. “Girl power! Girls forever!” she likes to announce. And there is little mystery about where she learned that. Their weeks are filled with homework, family dinners, bedtime routines, playgrounds, birthday parties, playdates, visits with cousins, and Sunday Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church. They have also developed their own McLean routines. Family favorites include Clemyjontri Park and McLean Central Park, along with local restaurants such as Sushi Yoshi, The Italian Oven, and Tachibana. Friday is pizza night, and Saturdays often include Starbucks cake pops. For Morgana, these ordinary rituals have become some of the most meaningful parts of the life she has built. Motherhood changed Morgana’s priorities. “After kids I really realized that family is the most important thing,” she says. “You can still be great at work but be more balanced with how much time you dedicate to that.” It has also taught her that perfection is neither realistic nor necessary. “It has taught me to be better at juggling multiple things and having more patience,” she says. “It has also taught me that it’s okay to not get it all right and that sometimes just surviving is a win.” She has learned to establish boundaries, accept help, and protect the time that matters most. “It really does take a village,” she says. When asked how her family would describe her when she is not “Dr. Colombo,” Morgana answers quickly. Flexible. Dedicated. Supportive. Reliable. High energy. Loving.

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© Best Version Media BRINGING BRAZIL HOME Brazil remains an important part of family life. Morgana wants William and Maya to feel proud of being half Brazilian. Portuguese is spoken around the children, though English has naturally become their preferred language. “It’s a work in progress,” she says. Brazilian culture appears at the family table through rice and beans and pão de queijo, and especially during holidays. Christmas Eve is the family’s major Christmas celebration, following Brazilian tradition, while Easter brings Brazilian chocolate eggs, which are filled with more candies. American traditions are equally embraced. Halloween is a favorite in McLean, often complete with matching family costumes. Across both cultures, Morgana and Will are trying to teach their children gratitude, humility, respect, perseverance, and kindness. “Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but you try to do your best and complete what you started,” Morgana says. CHANGING THE CONVERSATION ABOUT WOMEN AND AGING Motherhood may have shifted Morgana’s priorities, but it has not diminished her ambition. Increasingly, she is using her medical expertise to challenge the way society talks about women and aging. She would like to see the phrase “anti aging” disappear. Instead, she encourages women to think about skin longevity. “Having healthy, functional skin in every stage of life should be the goal,” she says. For Morgana, the distinction is about more than words. It pushes back against the idea that age is something women should fear.

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“The old patriarchal idea that women expire at a certain age and become invisible also needs to disappear,” she says. Through her educational work and science focused skin care line, Vidaderma, Morgana hopes to give women credible information and encourage a healthier conversation about beauty, confidence, and aging. Her message is not that women should stop caring about how they look. It is that confidence, beauty, relevance, and femininity do not have an expiration date. It is a message rooted in the same confidence her mother once gave her. THE LIFE SHE BUILT When Morgana reflects on everything between her childhood in Brasilia and her life today in McLean, her professional achievements bring enormous pride. But when asked what makes her most grateful, she begins with William and Maya. “I’m most grateful for my beautiful, loving, kind children,” she says. “I’m grateful for the career opportunities that my medical education in the U.S. has given me, but being a mother to amazing little humans has been a dream come true.” Her goals for the future are both ambitious and simple. She wants to continue helping people through medicine, challenge outdated ideas about women and aging, grow professionally, and help women feel informed and confident. At home, she wants to raise good humans. For all that Morgana Colombo has accomplished, the thread connecting each chapter may be the lesson her mother gave her years ago: know your potential, understand your value, and never be afraid to become the fullest version of yourself. It is a lesson Morgana has carried from Brazil to the United States, from medical school to entrepreneurship, and from daughter to mother.

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

MARKS TWO DECADES OF SUPPORTING BREAST CANCER RESEARCH By GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

For 20 years, Lombardi Women has brought together a community committed to advancing breast cancer research, patient care, and hope. This fall, the organization celebrates an important milestone: two decades of supporting Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research. Over the years, Lombardi Women has raised more than $5 million in support of pioneering research, lifesaving treatments, and compassionate care. The 20th annual Lombardi Women celebration took place October 1 at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, bringing the community together once again around a shared mission: connecting for a cure. As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, McLean Living is proud to serve as a media partner and help amplify the work being done to advance research, support patients and families, and create a future with better outcomes for women facing breast cancer. To learn more about Lombardi Women and ways to support its mission, visit lombardiwomen.georgetown.edu.

McLEAN LIVING | 9

SMART FINANCES WITH LAFAYETTE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

National Financial Planning Month Make Your Money Work with Intention By JAMES NAUGHTON, McLean Branch Manager Lafayette Federal Credit Union

October is National Financial Planning Month. It’s also an ideal time to reassess your financial strategy and ask yourself whether it reflects the life you’re building toward. Financial planning involves more than saving for retirement. A comprehensive plan coordinates investments, taxes, insurance, estate planning, charitable giving, major purchases, and other priorities into one cohesive strategy. As your career, family, and personal goals evolve, your financial plan should evolve with them. Review your progress toward short- and long-term goals, evaluate your investment mix, and check whether your estate documents and beneficiary designations are current. Finally, identify upcoming major expenses or life changes that could affect your plans. Even if your finances are built on a firm foundation, regular reviews can reveal opportunities to make your money work more efficiently. Thoughtful planning today can provide greater clarity and flexibility for whatever comes next

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Lafayette Federal Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA. Membership required. 10 | JUNE 2026

Financial Planning Month Starts With a Conversation

October is Financial Planning Month, the perfect time to reflect on your financial future and create a plan for what's next. Discover how Lafayette Private Wealth can provide personalized guidance and help you pursue your financial goals with confidence. STOP BY OUR MCLEAN BRANCH TODAY 6890 ELM STREET, MCLEAN, VA 22101 PHONE: (301) 929-7990

¹Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, and are not insured by credit union insurance, the NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the credit union, are not guaranteed by the credit union, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Investment Advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Lafayette Federal Credit Union and Lafayette Private Wealth are not registered broker/dealers and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.

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McLEAN 5K In McLean, By McLean, For McLean Run, Walk and Roll By REGINA SULLIVAN

The McLean Community Foundation has been investing in the local community for more than four decades. Its first grant, awarded in 1981, supported the McLean Volunteer Fire Department. Since then, the Foundation has awarded more than $2.6 million in grants to nonprofits in McLean and organizations serving the McLean Planning District. Because MCF is an all volunteer organization, every dollar raised goes back into the community. The Foundation supports charitable, educational, cultural, recreational, and historic preservation initiatives while also maintaining a permanent charitable endowment designed to support community improvements for years to come. In 2026, MCF funding has helped support a new engine for the McLean Volunteer Fire Department, youth mental health initiatives through the Safe Community Coalition, McLean Little League, and Specially Adapted Resource Clubs, or SPARC, which serves adults with disabilities. The Foundation has also contributed to the McLean Project for the Arts kiln room and the Drew Stieg Aspiring Wellness Program.

One of the Foundation’s most important annual fundraisers is the McLean 5K, presented in partnership with the McLean Community Center. This year’s race will take place on October 10 at 8:00 a.m. Last year, more than 600 runners and walkers participated, reflecting the strong sense of community that continues to make McLean such a special place. Whether you come to run, walk, cheer from the sidelines, or simply enjoy the morning with neighbors, the McLean 5K offers a chance to be part of a tradition that brings the community together while supporting local needs.

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Other MCC Initiatives MACDONALD PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION APPLICATION DUE Monday, Oct. 19 MCC GOVERNING BOARD MEETING Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m. The McLean Community Center OPEN GAME NIGHTS Wednesdays, 6:30 – 9 p.m. The Old Firehouse Center

Alden Theatre Performances All performances are being held at The Alden Theatre. BALLET HISPÁNICO NEW YORK MUJERES: Women in Motion Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. All Ages TREASURE ISLAND REIMAGINED: JANE HAWKINS AND THE PIRATE’S GOLD Tuesday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m. All Ages MCLEAN COMMUNITY PLAYERS’ THE ADDAMS FAMILY Friday-Sunday, Oct. 9-11 & Oct. 16-18 Family Friendly BORISEVICH DUO Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 p.m. All Ages FOREIGN LANGUAGE & PERFORMING ARTS FILMS The Vanishing (13+) Thursday, Oct.8, 1-3 p.m. & Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tea with the Dames (16+) Thursday, Oct. 22, 1-2:30 p.m.

Community Events MCLEAN ARTFEST Sunday, Oct.4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. McLean Central Park

DROP-IN MAH-JONGG Mondays, 7 – 10 p.m. at MCC Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at OFC Thursdays, 4 – 7 p.m. at MCC Enjoy free Mah-Jongg drop-in play at MCC and OFC, where players of all skill levels can gather, play and connect in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

THE MCLEAN 5K & OFC’S IGNITE Saturday, Oct. 10. Race at 8 a.m. and IGNITE at 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Downtown McLean & The Old Firehouse Center TOUCH A TRUCK Monday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. – Noon The McLean Community Center Parking Lot OFC 5TH & 6TH GRADER PARTY: MONSTER MASH Friday, Oct. 23, 7 - 9:30 p.m. The Old Firehouse Center OFC 7TH & 8TH GRADER PARTY: HAUNTED MASQUERADE Saturday, Oct. 24, 6 - 9 p.m. The Old Firehouse Center

OFC’S FESTIVAL OF FRIGHTS & TRUNK OR TREAT Saturday, Oct. 31, 5 - 8 p.m. The Old Firehouse Center

McLEAN LIVING | 13

If you’ve ever met with an estate planning attorney, you’ve probably noticed something: We have a funny way of turning ordinary family conversations into questions about wills, trusts and what happens “if something happens to me.” I know the subject isn’t exactly dinner-table conversation. Nobody wants to spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon contemplating their own incapacity or death. Yet as an estate planning attorney serving Northern Virginia families, I’ve learned that putting off the conversation rarely makes it easier—and it can make things much harder for the people you love. In fact, procrastination is one of the biggest reasons people give for not having an estate plan. According to Caring.com’s 2025 Wills & Estate Planning Study, 43% of Americans without a will said they simply “haven’t gotten around to it.” So let me answer some of the questions I hear most often.

“My estate isn’t very big. Do I really need an estate plan?” Yes. And this may be the biggest misconception I encounter. Estate planning isn’t just about who gets your money when you die. It’s also about what happens if you’re alive but unable to make decisions for yourself. Who can access your finances? Who can pay your bills? Who can make healthcare decisions? Who can manage your property? You might assume your spouse or an adult child can simply step in. But without the appropriate legal documents, that assumption can create significant problems. If you haven’t made your wishes known, a Virginia court may ultimately have to make decisions for you.

“Can’t I just download the documents online?” You can. The internet has made it incredibly easy to find do-ityourself legal documents. But “easy” and “effective” aren’t always the same thing. Estate planning is personal. Your family circumstances, assets, business interests and goals are different from everyone else’s. Virginia law also has specific requirements that need to be followed. My job isn’t simply to hand you a stack of forms. It’s to help you think through the issues you may not have considered, and then create documents designed around your circumstances.

“Do I need a will, a trust or an advance directive?” My answer is usually: It depends. I sometimes describe an estate plan as a house. A will might be one room. An advance medical directive might be another. A trust could be

14 | JUNE 2026

another. Not every house needs the same number of rooms. A will can specify who receives your assets and address guardianship for minor children. An advance medical directive names someone to make medical decisions if you cannot. A trust can include specific terms regarding how and when beneficiaries receive your assets and, depending on the circumstances, help with issues such as probate and taxes. The important thing is making sure the pieces work together.

“When should I update everything?” Please don’t put your estate plan in a drawer and forget about it. I generally recommend reviewing it every three to five years. More importantly, review it whenever life changes in a significant way: marriage, divorce, a new child or grandchild, a death in the family, a move, a major change in your assets, a change in tax law or a change involving the people you’ve named as your executor, guardian or trustee. And if you own a business, don’t overlook succession planning. What happens to the business if you retire, become incapacitated or die? Those decisions are much easier to make when you’re sitting around a conference table with your family than when everyone is trying to figure them out during a crisis. Ultimately, I tell my clients that estate planning isn’t really about preparing for death. It’s about preparing for life’s uncertainties. None of us knows what tomorrow will bring. But we can decide, today, who we trust to carry out our wishes if we can’t do it ourselves. That’s a gift to your family—and, in my experience, one that brings considerable peace of mind. If you’ve been putting off estate planning, or simply aren’t sure whether a trust makes sense for your family—we’d be happy to help you sort through your options. At PJI Law, we take the time to understand your family, your assets, and your goals before recommending a plan. Call (703) 865-6100 or visit www.pjilaw. com to schedule a complimentary, confidential estate planning consultation.

Tysons Chamber Summer Soirée By MARIANNE BANE | Photos by EKREM BASKAN

On August 14, 2025, the Tysons Chamber brought together business leaders, community partners, philanthropists, and regional changemakers for its Summer Soirée at the Archer Hotel Tysons. Set in the hotel’s penthouse and terrace with sweeping skyline views, the evening offered a relaxed setting for connection, conversation, and celebration. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a whiskey tasting, live and silent auctions, and a champagne awards ceremony recognizing exceptional leaders in the Tysons community. The event also highlighted local organizations and charitable initiatives, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to building meaningful connections and supporting the region it serves.

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INSIDE THE ROOM With Gloria Fonseca Business has its unwritten rules. So do introductions, invitations, and knowing when to speak—or when to keep something to yourself, or even when to pay or not pay the bill at a 3-person lunch. THERE ARE RULES, PEOPLE! THERE ARE RULES!!!

Welcome to Inside the Room, my monthly look at business, etiquette, access, and the relationships that open doors. I’ll share what I’ve learned from building businesses, publishing magazines, and navigating the moments no one gives you a handbook for. Because getting into the room is one thing. Being invited back is another.

CEO@GLORIAFONSECA.COM

This one is interesting:

Have You Heard About These Lunches? The most interesting conversations may be the ones you need an invitation to hear. Have you heard about these lunches? Not the networking luncheons with name tags, speeches, and a step-and-repeat. I mean the private ones—the gatherings that never appear on a public calendar, where the guest list is carefully curated and the conversation stays in the room. Here in Northern Virginia, a private wealth firm brings together a select circle of private clients, multigenerational families, business leaders, and investors for an invitation-only luncheon. Some tables you reserve. Others, you’re invited to.

And I became fascinated by one question: What do people talk about after success has already been achieved? Maybe we simply have to be in the room to find out. And if you’re wondering how one finds their way onto that guest list… Send me an email. In the end, it’s all about who you know, right? Let’s just say—I may know someone.

ABOUT GLORIA Gloria Fonseca is a media entrepreneur, publisher, and community connector with a diverse business portfolio spanning media, luxury jewelry, and events. Through Inside the Room, she shares the people, conversations, and experiences shaping Northern Virginia. 16 | OCTOBER 2026

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When Surgery Becomes the Next Step What Anna Health Reston’s Center of Excellence accreditation means for gynecologic surgical care. By DR. ANNA LE, MD, FACOG, Owner & CEO, Anna Health Fertility

Most patients do not come to the gynecologist thinking about surgery. They come because bleeding has become unpredictable, pelvic pain is changing daily life, fibroids or cysts need answers, or a condition they have managed for years has reached a point where a procedure may be the next step. That moment can feel big. The right care should make it feel clearer. Anna Health’s Reston gynecologic surgery program has earned accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Surgery from Surgical Review Corporation. Dr. Anna Le and Dr. Rami Tabbarah have also been recognized as Master Surgeons in Minimally Invasive Gynecology. For patients, the value is felt in the details around care. Minimally invasive surgery is often used to treat gynecologic conditions with smaller incisions than traditional open procedures, when clinically appropriate. Just as important is the decision-making that comes before it: listening carefully, confirming the diagnosis, discussing options, preparing the patient for what to expect, and making sure recovery is supported after the procedure is over.

Anna Health, formerly Annandale OB/ GYN, serves patients across 8 Northern Virginia locations. AnnaHealthMD.com

Conditions like fibroids, ovarian cysts, abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain and endometriosis do not exist in isolation. They affect work, family, fertility plans, intimacy, energy and peace of mind. When surgery becomes part of treatment, patients deserve a team that sees the whole picture. This accreditation recognizes the standard Anna Health Reston has built around that kind of care: advanced surgical skill, thoughtful coordination, and a steady commitment to helping patients move from uncertainty toward a clearer next step. Anna Health, formerly Annandale OB/GYN, is accepting new patients across Northern Virginia. Book same day appointments at AnnaHealthMD.com

Anna Health, formerly Annandale OB/GYN, is accepting new patients across Northern Virginia. Book same day appointments at AnnaHealthMD.com

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