FEATURE STORY
ize the significance of having consistency within the staff, but as a physician practicing for 31 years, it is of utmost importance,” explains Dr. Augustino. “They have an awareness that substantiates the quality of care that patients receive. They are hard-working and very much appreciated. Patients find comfort and feel at ease seeing staff members whom they know and who know them.” Something else patients appreciate is the high level of care they receive. “The joy of bringing a baby into the world is one of the reasons all three of us went into this field,” shares Dr. Augustino. “Our practice specializes in personalized patient care and nowhere is that more important than during pregnancy. Throughout the course of prenatal care, patients will have the opportunity to meet the other doctors, but you will always have your preferred doctor. We all cherish and respect that bond between doctor and patient.” Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics cares for women at all stages of life did not change with the times and now Achille brings a unique perspective to and a growing piece of the practice is Eastman Kodak is gone.” the practice. “As a female, I can relate to menopausal care and bioidentical horDr. Augustino acknowledges that a lot of what patients are going through,” mone therapy. In addition to hormonal there are services he cannot offer she shares. “Having children myself and supplementation for women, men with patients, so he has evolved the practice going through labor, I can share true low testosterone can be treated using a to provide this cutting-edge medicine. experiences that may help many nerbioidentical option rather than a syn“By adding Dr. Achille six years ago vous first time moms. I can also be that thetic regimen. and Dr. Catalano last year, our pracvoice for some moms with teenage girls Additional services include annual tice now provides the expert skills of who are thinking or have explored havwell-woman exams, in-office ultrarobotic surgery.” ing sex. A lot of times, I can just be that sound, family planning and contracepDr. Catalano specializes in robotic girlfriend that you just need to talk to.” tive counseling, in-office lab testing, surgery for complicated gynecological Just as many women feel more mammography and bone density issues including pelvic surgery, labiacomfortable with a female doctor, others screening, and more. plasty and vaginal reconstruction. He prefer to speak to a doctor in their native explains, “New technology, such as the language. Dr. Catalano grew up in n Dr. Michael Augustino, Dr. Fabienne Davinci robot, is allowing us to perform Puerto Rico and speaks fluent Spanish. Achille and Dr. Leonardo Catalano have minimally invasive procedures either “Communicating clearly in the first lanoffices in Weston and Pembroke Pines, with in our office or at an outpatient surgical guage of patients helps put them at ease,” privileges at Memorial Hospital West. The center. This offers patients a faster recov- he acknowledges. Weston office is located at 1605 Town Center ery time allowing women to get back to Making patients feel comforable Boulevard. Appointments can be made by their normal lifestyle sooner.” is one of the hallmarks of Gentle calling 954-384-8668. To learn more about Now patients can undergo major sur- Gynecology & Obstetrics, which takes Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics gical procedures, such as hysterectomy, pride in its compassionate and dedicated visit www.docAobgyn.com. without an abdominal incision. “A prostaff. “I’m not sure that all patients realcedure which normally would require six weeks for recovery, can now be done with patients returning to work in two weeks,” states Dr. Augustino. “Now many of my patients who have been ‘holding off’ on their surgical procedures because they don’t want to ‘miss that much work’, or simply don’t have the time for lengthy recovery, can have the same procedure robotically with far less pain and be back to normal in less than half the time.” Dr. Achille is also certified in robotic surgery and is an expert in 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 urinary infections and pain with sex,” she notes. In addition to her surgical skills, Dr.
Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics Delivers Modern Medicine
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BY STACEY BOMSER
t’s been ten years since Dr. Michael Augustino started his own practice, Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics. While the practice has grown and evolved over time, especially with the addition of Dr. Fabienne Achille and Dr. Leonardo Catalano, Gentle Gynecology & Obstetrics remains committed to delivering personalized patient care to women of all ages. Dr. Augustino has been practicing medicine for over 30 years. While he has no intention of retiring, he recognizes that there have been many advancements in the field and he has adapted his practice accordingly with the addition of Dr. Achille’s and Dr. Catalano’s expertise in robotic surgery. “In Obstetrics and Gynecology, there is evolution and a responsibility to practice within current guidelines and trends,” explains Dr. Augustino. “When I started my practice, Eastman Kodak was practically a household name. Every pharmacy and grocery store had a display area with their products, but they
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