Dr. Chibry & Whisler Interview

Two Kansas doctors stepped in to help deliver a very special patient earlier this month — Lily the Sumatran orangutan.

Both agreed it was a moment they’ll be talking about for years to come.

Daisy, the Sedgwick County Zoo’s 33-year-old orangutan, went into labor early in the morning on Sept. 7. But according to her veterinary team, there were complications that needed a different set of doctors.

“The zookeeper noticed there was a delay in her labor. Normally they deliver very quickly and that wasn’t the case for Daisy,” Laura Whisler, an OB-GYN based in Wichita, Kansas, said.

The veterinarians were at a loss and turned to the local hospital for help.

“One of the veterinarians at the zoo is one of my personal patients that I’ve taken care of,” Whisler said. “She asked me if I’d be willing to help out.”

Whisler and fellow OB-GYN, Dr. Janna Chirby, were told Daisy needed a cesarean section.

While the experienced pair of OB-GYNs have delivered thousands of babies at Via Christi Hospital, this was their first primate.

“I’m an OB-GYN for homo sapiens, humans. Not for animals,” Chirby said.

The doctors quickly devised a game plan. A few minutes after surgery a healthy baby orangutan was born.

“It was very surreal and definitely one of the best days at my job I’ve ever had,” Chirby said.

After a couple weeks in quarantine, baby Lily is now living happily with Daisy at the zoo.

“It’s definitely one of those moments that will be part of our stories that we tell to our grandkids,” Whisler said.

 

Why choose College Hill OB/GYN?

• All physicians are Board Certified with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).
• All physicians are women and working mothers.
• We deliver at all three Wichita locations — Wesley Hospital, Wesley Birth Care Center and Via Christi St. Joseph.
• All physicians have surgical privileges at most hospitals and Ambulatory Surgical Centers.
• All physicians are experts with da Vinci® Robotic Surgery.
• All physicians accept all insurance plans.
• All physicians are experienced in treating perimenopause, menopause and post menopause issues.
• Wyatt Harris is one of two physicians in Wichita to be Certified as a Menopause Practitioner by NAMS, North American Menopause Society.
• College Hill OB/GYN is well-established celebrating 32 years of caring for women.

Why not?

2017- 2018 Business Highlights

2017 Deliveries:  1400

371 Hysterectomies: (347 were Robotic Hysterectomies)

2017 Patient Visits:  21,020

College Hill OB/GYN provides comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care for women of all ages in every stage of life. We treat every patient with compassion, while setting the standards for medical excellence through the implementation of best clinical practices, continuing education and research.

Founded in 1981 by Dr. M. Brown and Dr. Patricia Wyatt-Harris our practice has grown to become one of the leading group practices in obstetrics and gynecologic care for women in and around the Wichita region. With 2 locations in east and west Wichita and 2 additional satellite offices in the surrounding cities of Derby and Haysville, our physicians and staff strive to provide convenient complete obstetric and gynecological care in a multi-lingual setting.

Dr. Anna Stork-Fury joined the group in 2006, Dr. Laura Whisler joined in 2013, and Dr. Chibry joined in 2017.  As women and mothers, ourselves, we appreciate and respect the trust each patient places in their caregivers during each stage in their life. We provide after-hours phone coverage 7 days a week to ensure patients receive the care and guidance they need at any time of the day or night. We welcome new patients and accept most major medical insurance plans. We provide diagnostic services such as 2D and 3D sonography, routine gynecological exams, breast health exams, IUD placement and other forms of birth control counseling.  We also have staff fluent in Spanish and Vietnamese available to translate.

Surgeries and procedures are performed in our office, outpatient surgery centers, and in the surrounding hospitals. Our doctors are trained in the latest gynecologic procedures, including laparoscopic, robotic, and minimally invasive surgeries.

Our doctors are experienced in the treatment and care of perimenopausal and postmenopausal patients. They will help guide you through the complex issues surrounding menopause, including hormone replacement and other physical and emotional changes.

All physicians are accepting new patients.

We have two locations to serve you:

East: 3233 E. 2nd St. Wichita, KS 67203

West: 834 N Socora St. Wichita, KS 67212

Soon, your life will change forever with the addition of a new family member. Preparing for this bundle of joy is an exciting time, however can also be overwhelming and a time filled with joy, panic, excitement and fear all at the same time. These emotions are normal, as it is totally expected to feel clueless about your changing body and how to prepare what’s next. Here are a few pregnancy tips related to diet and exercise that can help ensure safe and healthy prenatal development.

• Take a prenatal vitamin. You can begin taking these when you are trying to conceive or immediately when you discover you are pregnant. It is essential you get nutrients such as folic acid, calcium and iron from the beginning as the baby’s neural cord, brain and spinal cord develop the first month of pregnancy.
• Don’t skip breakfast. Try fortified cooked cereal and fruit, however if you experience ‘morning sickness’, start with whole wheat toast and eat more food later.
• Eat foods with fiber. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables and plenty of beans and whole grains. Brown rice and oatmeal are full of fiber.
• Prep and pack healthy snacks. Yogurt with fruit, whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese, trail mix and or nuts.
• Eat 12 ounces of fish a week. One 3 ounce service is the size of a deck of cards. Avoid fish with high levels of mercury such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel or tilefish. Common fish that is low in mercury are Albacore white tuna, shrimp and salmon.
• Avoid foods that may contain bacteria. Such as sushi, uncooked or undercooked meat, soft cheese such as feta, brie and goat cheese and lunch meats and hotdogs.
• Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol.
• Track your weight gain. You are eating for two, however packing on to many extra pounds isn’t healthy for you, however not gaining enough is not healthy for the baby and may cause developmental problems. Below are the recommendations for weight gain in pregnancy. Check with your doctor regarding a healthy weight gain for you.
o Underweight: Gain 28-40 pound
o Normal weight: Gain 25-35 pounds
o Overweight: Gain 15-25 pounds
o Obese: Gain 11-20 pounds
• Exercise. Staying active can reduce stress, control your weight, improve circulation, boost your mood, improve your sleep quality and above all is important for your general health. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of aerobic activity per day to increase your heart rate and breathing. This can be broken up into 15 minute segments. A group fitness class, Pilates, yoga, swimming and waking are great activities for most mom’s to be. However, be careful of any activity in the hot summer sun and do not get dehydrated or overheated. Listen to our body and don’t’ overdo it. Talk to your doctor regarding the amount of exercise that is best for you personally.
• Practice your Kegels. Kegel exercises help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Your pelvic floor muscles provide support for your bladder, bowels and uterus. Kegel exercises alone can help make your delivery easier and prevent urinary incontinence later in life. You can practice these exercises any time of day, and no one will know. Here is how you exercise your Kegel muscles.
o Practice squeezing as if you are stopping the flow of urine.
o Hold for 3 seconds, relax for 3 seconds and repeat 10 times.
o Do this daily.
• Sleep. Drink plenty of fluids during the day, however cut down before bed to reduce nighttime urination. Finding a comfortable sleep position can be a challenge. You may find it comfortable to purchase a pregnancy body pillow or a pillow under your knees and another under your belly. After 20 weeks, sleep on your left side to allow optimal blood flow to the baby. Avoid lying flat on your back. Heartburn can be an issue with pregnancy. Reduce heartburn by avoiding spicy or acidic foods. If you do experience heartburn, do not recline for 2 hours after meals and sleep with your head elevated on pillows. Still not feeling rested? If you are not able to sleep well at night, you may need to take a half-hour nap. Adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each night. During pregnancy, women may need 2-3 more hours of sleep a day, thus a few short naps may be needed.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.  In addition, all four College Hill physicians contract with all major insurances and are accepting new patients. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Q: What is a hysterectomy and when is it usually recommended?
A: Hysterectomy is surgical removal of the uterus. Your doctor may recommend a hysterectomy for a condition such as: endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, fibroids, pelvic prolapse, adenomyosis, and gynecologic cancers of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and or ovaries.
Q: What are the different types of hysterectomies?
A: Vaginal hysterectomy, abdominal hysterectomy, and laparoscopic hysterectomy are the hysterectomy options. An abdominal hysterectomy is invasive and requires the uterus and other organs be removed through a large abdominal incision compared to a minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy. Laparoscopic surgery allows the surgeon to operate through several small incisions using a tiny camera.
Q: What is da Vinci Robotic Surgery?
A: da Vinci Robotic surgery is laparoscopic surgery with added technology. Both da Vinci robotic surgery and traditional laparoscopic surgery are minimally invasive and FDA cleared. The surgeon operates through just a few small incisions vs. creating a large open incision. The da Vinci system utilizes a 3D high-definition imaging system to view highly magnified images providing the surgeon with increased precision and control compared to traditional 2D laparoscopic surgery.
Q: Is the surgeon in the room?
A: The surgeon performing the surgery is located at a console in the operating room near the patient and the surgical support staff.
Q: What are the benefits of da Vinci robotic surgery vs. traditional laparoscopic surgery?
A: The surgeon has better visualization of the internal structures allowing greater precision and control in addition to less blood loss during surgery. Recovery time with da Vinci robotic surgery compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery is typically the same.
Q: Does my insurance cover da Vinci robotic surgery:
A: Any insurance that covers laparoscopic hysterectomy typically covers da Vinci robotic hysterectomy. However, coverage depends on your insurance plan and benefit package. Our surgery scheduling staff verifies coverage and obtains prior authorization as needed.
Q: Will I have to take hormones after a hysterectomy:
A: The term hysterectomy refers to removal of the uterus. If the surgeon decides the ovaries can remain, you would not need to begin hormone replacement. If the ovaries are removed (which can be performed robotically), some women do begin taking a form of hormone replacement. This is decided prior to surgery.

Q:  When should I have my first gynecologic visit? A:  According to ACOG, American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, girls should have their first gynecologic visit between the ages of 13 and 15.

Q:  What should I expect at my first gynecologic visit?  A:  The first visit may be merely a discussion between you and the doctor allowing you to learn what you need to do to remain healthy. Based on the individual, you could also have an exam.  Your doctor will ask you questions about you and your family and your menstrual period and current vaccinations.  Your doctor may also discuss sexual activity and provide information to keep you safe and healthy.

Q:  What exams will be performed?  A:  You can choose to have a nurse and or family member with you during all exams.  You may have a general physical exam, in which your height, weight and blood pressure will be checked.  You would not need a pelvic exam unless you are having problems such as abnormal bleeding or pain.  If you are sexually active you may also have specific test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Q:  What is a pelvic exam and a pap smear?  A:  You probably would not have a pelvic exams performed on your fist visit unless you are having problems.  You do not need a pap smear until you are 21 unless you are having problems or are sexually active.  The pap smear looks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that can lead to cancer.

Q:  What vaccines are recommend?  A:  The following vaccines are given to all young women aged 11-18 on a routine basis. The can be administered by your family practice physician, pediatrician or gynecologist.

• Tetanus Diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) booster
• Human papillomavirus vaccine
• Meningococcal vaccine
• Influenza vaccine (yearly)

Q:  What items are normally discussed with my gynecologist?  A:  Cramps and problems with your period, acne, weight issues, sex and sexuality, STIs, Birth Control, Alcohol / Drug use, Smoking and Emotional ups and downs.

For more information visit https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Your-First-Gynecologic-Visit-Especially-for-Teens#first

College Hill OBGYN’s Dr. Patricia Wyatt-Harris is one of the area’s most education physicians regarding menopause. In fact, Wyatt-Harris is one of only two North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioners in Wichita. Through her certification, she has been able to keep up with all the latest studies concerning the best type of menopause management.

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop working and producing hormones. Wyatt-Harris’ certification makes her an expert in how to manage women’s resulting symptoms after the onset of menopause.

“I know what the latest evidence-based medicine says about whether you should use hormone replacement or how you should use it, and which women are candidates for it and which aren’t,” Wyatt-Harris said.

Once a woman hits the age of menopause, she never leaves the menopausal state, which simply means the woman’s hormone levels remain low. Most women’s bodies adjust to the new, lower hormone level, Wyatt-Harris said, but some experience symptoms the rest of their lives. Each women’s treatment plan is individual to her body’s response to her own hormones.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wyatt-Harris, call 316-683-6766.