You At Your Best

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2018 | MARCH - ALL NATURAL NWADG.COM/YOUATYOURBEST | YOU AT YOUR BEST | 9 symptom – either becoming thicker and lighter, or redder and darker than the skin surrounding it. However, because these skin changes can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, patients – and their doctors – may not immediately recognize the condition as vulvar cancer. Risk factors for vulvar cancer include HPV infection and older age. Regular, routine well-woman exams are the best screening and prevention for this type of cancer, and vulvar cancer responds well to treatment. The key is early detection and diagnosis – through regular, routine well-woman exams. Treatment for female reproductive cancers varies according to the location and stage (early or advanced) of cancer. Frequently-used therapies include radiation therapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, surgical removal of affected tissue, or chemotherapy. Cryotherapy involves freezing and removing affected tissue, while laser therapy involves the application of concentrated, intense beams of light to kill cancer cells. When getting a pap test, the doctor will take a sample of the cells on the cervix to send to a pathologist, McCollum says. The pathologist will look at those cells under a microscope to determine if the cells look normal or concerning. Pap tests should begin when a woman becomes sexually active or at age of 21, regardless of if they have become sexually active by that age, McCollum says. Current screening guidelines from the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology are for pap tests every 3 years from the ages of 21-29. Pap tests with co- testing is performed every 3 to 5 years in women age 30-65. Currently, there is not enough information to recommend for or against screening after the age of 65, and this should be decided on an individual basis. "Do not be afraid to see your gynecologist and get this important test," Dr. McCollum says. "Of course, no one likes having a pelvic exam, but communication with your doctor is key. Please do not avoid this exam because it's been a long time, you're ashamed, you're self-conscious, you've never had an exam, etc. Your health is too important! We are here to guide you through screening and prevention of gynecologic cancers." To schedule a well-woman visit or pap test with Dr. McCollum, call 479- 757-1730. As Northwest Health's Chief Medical Officer, I'm often asked to speak to students who are interested in – or on a path to – a career in medicine. With the celebration of National Doctor's Day on March 30th, I'm reminded how critical is this role of mentor, educator, cheerleader for the practitioners of tomorrow as we face an increasing physician shortage that is perhaps greater than any time in modern history. Recent estimates from the Association of American Medical Colleges indicate that the U.S. will see a shortage of between 60,000 and 95,000 primary care and specialty physicians by the year 2025. Everyone knows the path to becoming a physician is a rigorous one – four years of medical school, another three in residency and 100+ hour work weeks during those years. And the pressures of medical practice have increased dramatically with technology and administrative requirements, reduced reimbursement, and more. These are not exactly effective tools for recruiting new medical students! So, I'd like to share some of the great answers Physicians Practice gave to the question: "Why should I consider becoming a doctor?" 6 You get to do cool things most people will never have the chance to do. No matter what your specialty, you are critical to furthering the life spans of your patients. A quote from a medical blog says, "I figure I save about one life a week, on average. And I'm just a psychiatrist." 5 Your medical training prepares you for a successful life. You're likely to be a good decision maker, simply because you must do it constantly in situations where the stakes can be high. 4 You relieve more than physical pain. You address your patients' vulnerability to not just disease, but also to loneliness, fear, and anxiety. There's no doubt that many people will survive and thrive, simply because you listened. 3 You have influence. Just by virtue of your profession, you earn respect in your community. You can use this power to effect real change in the world, and not just on healthcare issues. 2 You have actual job security. Yes, healthcare has been hit hard economically, but there are always FAR more people who need doctors than there are doctors. 1 You make a real difference. Despite the challenges, you have a job that provides a genuine service to the public, with tangible results and healthier patients. That's quite a privilege. Beyond all of these great reasons, the providers affiliated with Northwest Health are true inspirations for young people to pursue careers in medicine. The quality of our medical staff is revealed through the notes and calls of appreciation and praise we receive from patients and their families who are grateful that these individuals chose medicine as their path. From our dedicated primary care and ED physicians, to the hospitalists working around the clock in inpatient care, to the skilled surgeons and specialists, it is my privilege to work with them in caring for our community. James A. Tanner, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer at Northwest Health. Why become a doctor? Northwest Health celebrates National Doctor's Day

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