Editor's Note: This article previously appeared in the Fall 2021 issue of Knox Community Hospital's KnoxWise newsletter.
Board-certified obstetrician gynecologist Dr. Emily Woods recently joined the Knox Community Hospital family. A native of Pennsylvania, Woods will return to her Midwestern roots after completing her residency on the East Coast.
“I grew up in a small town where everyone knew their neighbors and knew each other’s names,” she said. “Mount Vernon appealed to me because I knew I could build relationships here as someone who both lives and works in the community.”
Woods said touring the Ann Schnormeier Center for Birthing Care also helped seal the deal for her when she was interviewing.
“From both the provider and patient perspective, the center has everything I can think of in terms of technology and services,” she said. “Having my office in the same building is a plus and helps streamline patient care.”
Woods will offer a full spectrum of health services for women from adolescence through post-menopause.
“Women have different needs depending on their age,” she said. “For teens, my focus is often on contraceptive counseling, STDs, safe sex or painful periods. Women of reproductive age may need advice on pregnancy optimization (like taking a folic acid supplement) as well as routine gynecologic care and screenings.
“I’m a bit like a primary care physician because I like to counsel my patients on the importance of vaccines and screenings,” she said. “I follow the guidance of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists when it comes to screening recommendations. Currently, they advise cervical cancer screenings for all women beginning at age 21. They also recommend the Gardasil vaccine, which has been proven to reduce the rates of HPV (human papilloma virus) related cervical cancers.”
In addition to setting up her practice, Woods is currently renovating a home in Mount Vernon.
“I’m working on making this home and community my own,” she said. “I’m looking forward to setting down roots and getting to explore the area on my bike and kayak.”
Woods is currently accepting new patients. Appointments can be made by calling 740-326-3531.
