Details of Dr. Cook's Move to California

From: Helen Dynda (olddad66@runestone.net)
Sun Aug 20 11:50:06 2000


The Details of Dr. Cook's Move to California Providing the best possible care to my patients has been the underlying principle that has guided me professionally. This means giving patients the respect and dignity that they deserve as well as the best technical surgical care. Combining my practice with Dr. Deborah Metzger's practice in California will help to further this goal. I believe that our association will result in the World's premiere Center of Excellence for the treatment of women with pelvic pain and endometriosis.

As with the other primary physicians at Omega, I have been a sole practitioner who has chosen to practice medicine at the Omega Institute of Health in Louisiana. While we cover call for each other we are not partners. In 1996, when the Internet revolution was in its infancy, I started "Dr. Cook's Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Information Center" ( http://www.drcook.com/ ). Over the years this has developed into one of the best endometriosis sites worldwide, with upwards of 70,000 page visits a month. I surgically treat women from across the United States, and internationally. Most of the patients I treat have been through multiple surgeries with other physicians and are often the difficult cases that no one else can help. Patients travel to see me because I am one of the best in the country at treating pelvic pain, not just endometriosis. Patients with pelvic pain are often complex with several factors contributing to their problem. This includes such conditions as hernias, interstitial cystitis, nerve entrapment or the need for systemic treatment of endometriosis. An approach to the whole patient, not just one organ system, is needed to restore a patient's health. As one of the top endometriosis doctors in the country, I was invited to speak at the ERC Endometriosis 2000 Symposium this year in Florida.

Dr. Deborah Metzger, also a world-renowned endometriosis specialist, and I first met and began talking at the ERC Endometriosis 2000 Symposium. We "clicked" from the beginning and soon realized that we had a shared vision. A philosophy that the patient comes first and a drive to find the unsolved answers for women with endometriosis. We soon made the commitment to form an alliance that would blend our different talents to provide an even better excellence in care for our patients. The result is a new Helena Women's Health, which is a true partnership between Dr. Metzger and myself, both in business and philosophy. Dr. Metzger's bio can be found on this Internet page. While she is well published and has traveled the world lecturing, she is also a warm intelligent person with an obvious compassion for her patients.

Our association really involves a third person; Dr. Arnold Kresch, M.D. Dr. Kresch was a pioneer in the field of endometriosis and pelvic pain. His innovative thinking laid the groundwork for Dr. Metzger and I on which to build. Unfortunately, Dr. Kresch passed away from cancer not long after Dr. Metzger joined his practice in Palo Alto, CA. Culmination of the knowledge of all three of us contribute to the emerging new Helena Women's Health. This is truly a unique and special practice in the field of endometriosis and pelvic pain.

My associates at Omega were surprised when I informed them that I was leaving my current situation, especially since I have such a large successful practice, currently the largest associated with Omega. I felt a professional courtesy to notify my associates first, which I did Thursday afternoon July 27, and am now working to contact my patients. I appreciate your patience during this time of transition.

With change certain difficulties or problems may arise. This is true for you the patient, myself, and Omega as well. I am sorry for any difficulty you may experience as a result of this change. I am confident that the opportunities afforded by this change will outweigh the short-term difficulties. The first issue for current patients or patients making arrangements to come see me is the decision whether to change geographic location with me for their medical care or make a change in physician. The agreed upon policy between Omega and myself is that the patient comes first and that it is your choice where you want to go for medical treatment. Your options include (1) changing your care to another physician at Omega, (2) changing your care to another physician outside of Omega or (3) continuing your care with me through my office at Helena Women's Health in California. If you would like to come out to California to receive treatment with me, I will do everything in my power to make it a smooth transition for you.

Prior to September 1, 2000 I will be available via telephone appointments. These can be scheduled directly with Debbie Fincher at 559-434-0524. Debbie has been hired as the Internet Patient Coordinator for Helena Women's Health. She is committed to help you with your transition to Helena. Debbie will be a great resource for you in receiving treatment at Helena Women's Health.

Dr. Metzger and I have a shared vision for the future of Helena Women's Health. We are in the process of creating a comprehensive center never before available to women with endometriosis and pelvic pain. Some centers may surgically remove endometriosis, but if the patient still suffers, she is left to fend for herself. We hope to change this and we are tremendously excited about the future. We invite you to be a part of this change. With your input and our determination and expertise, together we can achieve the goal that so many women with endometriosis and pelvic pain desire - a treatment center where women can, with dignity and respect, receive comprehensive and accurate information, diagnosis and treatment needed to regain a normal life.

I look forward to seeing you at my new office at Helena Women's Health in California!


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