The Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics Family Expands Dr. Michael Augustino & Dr. Fabienne Achille Welcome Dr. Leonardo Catalano BY STACEY BOMSER
Dr. Achille: I am a South Florida native. I was born at University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and, coincidentally, that is where I completed my residency. I chose to be an OB/GYN because I enjoy that I have a broad mix of patients. In one day, I can see patients in my office, do a delivery and also do minimally invasive gynecological surgery. Each day is different and I love being able to be a part of the many phases of life women go through.
Dr. Augustino, Dr. Achille and Dr. Catalano each bring a unique perspective to the field of gynecology and obstetrics. The three share more about their backgrounds and contributions to the practice, which has been voted Best OB/GYN practice in Best of Weston for the past nine years.
Dr. Augustino: I enjoy the relationships I have built with my patients over the years. I’ve been in practice long enough that I’m now delivering the grandchildren of some of my original patients. Just the other day, I was making rounds at the hospital and saw a new mom who I had actually delivered. That speaks volumes for the level of care we provide our patients that we have multi-generational families visiting our practice.
What is Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics? Dr. Augustino: I have been practicing medicine in South Florida for the past 30 years. About eight years ago, I left the world of corporate medicine to open my own private practice. After a few years, it had grown so much I was able to bring on an associate, Dr. Achille. We are now both pleased to welcome Dr. Catalano. We are confident his background and surgical expertise will complement that of Dr. Achille and myself and allow us to provide an expanded scope of services to our patients. Can you please share a bit about your background and why you choose this field? Dr. Catalano: Although new to Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics, I have been in practice for the past four years in the Plantation area. I graduated from the Ponce School of Medicine in San Juan, Puerto Rico. I completed my residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at San Juan City Hospital, and did my internship at St. Luke’s Memorial Hospital. I chose obstetrics and gynecology because it allows me to care for patients throughout their lifespan, from adolescence through childbearing years and well beyond. I am one of the few physicians to provide adolescent gynecological services. I see patients as young as nine years old with pelvic pain, menstruation issues, or malformation.
You all have different backgrounds, so what unique perspectives do you bring to the practice? Dr. Achille: As a female, I can relate to a lot of what patients are going through. Having children myself and going through labor, I can share true experiences that may help many nervous first time moms. I can be that voice for some moms with teenage girls who are thinking or have explored having sex. And, a lot of times, I can be that girlfriend that you just need to talk to. Dr. Catalano: I grew up in Puerto Rico and speak fluent Spanish. Being bilingual allows me to communicate clearly in the first language of many patients, which certainly helps put them at ease. Dr. Augustino: Having been in practice for 30 years, many of my patients have experienced menopause, which brings up the issue of hormone replacement. Our practice was the first in the area to offer bio-identical hormone treatment, for both men and women. What are the benefits of bio-identical hormone therapy? Dr. Augustino: Natural hormone replacement is safer, healthier and has far less side effects than synthetic hormones and delivers better results. Unlike traditional prescription drugs, natural hormone replacement therapy is tailored to the individual patient. Dosage is based on actual lab work, as well as weight and age, so each patient has a personalized treatment plan. I measure those parameters at each office visit and can alter the dosage accordingly. I want to point out that bio-identical hormones are natural. Patients need not fear. There are no risks of cancer, stroke, heart attack or clotting like people feared from synthetic hormones. How is technology changing the field of gynecology? Dr. Achille: With more women working fulltime, it becomes more difficult to take time to take care of ourselves. With the pressure of having to take as little time off as possible, a lot of treatments for common gynecological issues such as heavy bleeding and pelvic pain can now be treated with medications or minimally invasive procedures. Hospital stays are now shorter and patients are in less pain.
Dr. Leonardo Catalano
Dr. Catalano, Dr. Augustino and Dr. Achille
FEATURE STORY
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r. Michael Augustino, Dr. Fabienne Achille and the staff at Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics are excited to announce that Dr. Leonardo Catalano has joined the practice. All three physicians are committed to delivering personalized patient care to women of all ages, from adolescence to post-menopause. Now, with an additional doctor on staff, the practice is able to expand its areas of expertise to better serve patients.
Dr. Catalano: New technology, such as the Davinci robot, are allowing us to perform minimally invasive procedures either in our office or at an outpatient surgical center, which offer patients a faster recovery time allowing women to get back to their normal lifestyle sooner. What technical skills do you offer? Dr. Catalano: I specialize in minimally invasive robotic surgery for complicated gynecological issues including pelvic surgery, labioplasty and vaginal reconstruction. Dr. Achille: I am certified in robotic surgery and the Mona Lisa Touch. It is an alternative option for women who cannot use hormones, such as women with breast cancer, who have vaginal dryness, frequent urine infections and pain with sex. What other services does Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics provide? Dr. Augustino: Our services include, but are not limited to: obstetrics offering complete prenatal care; in-office ultrasound; annual well-woman exams; menopause care; family planning and contraceptive counseling; in-office lab testing; mammography and bone-density screening; and surgical procedures and alternatives. Do all three of you offer obstetric care? Dr. Augustino: Absolutely! The joy of bringing a baby into the world is one of the reasons all three of us went into this field. Our practice specializes in personalized patient care and nowhere is that more important than during pregnancy. Throughout the course of prenatal care, patients have the opportunity to meet the other doctors, but you will always have your preferred doctor. All of us cherish and respect that bond between doctor and patient. Dr. Michael Augustino, Dr. Fabienne Achille and Dr. Leonardo Catalano have offices in Weston and Pembroke Pines, with privileges at Memorial Hospital West. The Weston office is located at 1605 Town Center Boulevard. Appointments can be made by calling 954-384-8668. The Pembroke Pines office is located adjacent to the hospital at 603 N. Flamingo Road, Suite 360A. Call 954-436-7667 to schedule an appointment in Pembroke Pines. To learn more about Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics, visit www.docAobgyn.com.
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