Lakeshore Health Partners–Women’s Health

Women have health needs that differ from men’s, so it’s only natural that they would benefit from health care services designed specifically for women.

That’s the idea behind the formation of Lakeshore Health Partners– Women’s Health, a local practice led by physicians who specialize in female health concerns. They offer primary care and a wide spectrum of health care services for women of all ages, including:

• Gynecological care
• Menopause and perimenopause treatment
• Hormone therapy options
• Weight management and fitness counseling
• Sexual health evaluation and treatment
• Integrative medicine

Joining LHP–Women’s Health is Barb DePree, MD, board-certified gynecologist and certified menopause practitioner. Dr. DePree, formerly of Holland Hospital Women’s Midlife Services, is well known in the Lakeshore community as an active proponent of health and well-being for women.

Also joining LHP–Women’s Health is board-certified primary care physician and certified menopause practitioner Laurie Birkholz, MD, who formerly practiced at Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee, Wis., where she completed a Women’s Health Fellowship. Dr. Birkholz’s areas of special interest (in addition to the above) include cardiovascular disease prevention and cancer survivorship, which addresses health concerns specific to women with a history of breast or gynecologic cancer.

“Women have very unique health experiences that require individual care and attention,” says Dr. Birkholz. “We’re here to listen and partner with women in their health care through every transition — in both prevention and treatment.”

Meeting women’s health care needs is not a new objective at Holland Hospital, notes Shanon Walko, DO, of Lakeshore Health Partners– Internal Medicine. Dr. Walko has focused on women’s health and disease management for 10 years and will continue to partner with Drs. Birkholz and DePree in areas such as cancer survivorship and cardiovascular health.

“Women can find a medical service and specialist here to meet virtually all their health care needs,” says Dr. Walko. “Holland Hospital’s expansive array of services for women positions the Lakeshore region as a hub for comprehensive women’s health care.”

LHP–Women’s Health is located at the Holland Hospital Medical Building in Zeeland; call (616) 748-5785 for an appointment. LHP–Internal Medicine is at the Lakeshore Medical Campus in north Holland; call (616) 399-9522. See lakeshorehealthpartners.com for more information.

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN

Holland Hospital Women’s Health Services offers convenient and comprehensive care for women at various locations in Holland and at the Holland Hospital Medical Building in Zeeland. In addition to primary care, our women’s health experts provide personalized treatment for female conditions that require specialty care. Services include LHP–Women’s Health (see story above) and the following.

Bladder and Pelvic Health Services
Holland Hospital and experts from Western Michigan Urological Associates provide specialized care to diagnose and treat bladder problems, pelvic pain and a wide range of female urinary concerns. Call (616) 392-1816 for a consultation.

Bone Health Services
Offers a full range of osteoporosis diagnosis, prevention and treatment services to ensure optimal bone health and strength. Call (616) 748-5764.

Breast Health Services
Digital mammography, clinical breast exams, and advanced diagnostic services are provided at three convenient locations in Holland and Zeeland. Call (616) 355-3865.

Rehabilitation Services
Experienced rehabilitation experts offer therapy for bone strength, bladder disorders, pelvic and back pain, lymphedema and more. Call (616) 355-3910.

COORDINATED BREAST HEALTH SERVICES

Holland Hospital’s Breast Health Services offers a full range of up-to-date procedures and leading-edge technology for coordinated breast care from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment and support.

Our expert physicians have advanced training and experience in breast care and women’s health with a focus on personalized care for each patient. It all adds up to comprehensive, convenient and coordinated breast care right here for Lakeshore residents. Services include:

• All-digital mammography at convenient locations
• Breast MRI and MRI-guided biopsy for higher-risk patients
• Stereotactic- and ultrasound-guided biopsy
• Specialists in breast imaging and intervention
• Multidisciplinary Breast Case Conferences (case review by a team of physicians)
• Surgeons experienced in breast cancer treatment
• Nearby Lakeshore Area Radiation & Oncology Center
• Our Lymphedema Program and breast cancer support group