Let’s Get Gutsy!
Hi there, I’m Dr. Emily – a board-certified female gastroenterologist and founder of The Women’s Digestive Wellness Project and GutsyRx – I welcome you to this monthly newsletter all about being a woman and gut health.
My journey began with a profound dissatisfaction with the current healthcare system's approach to women's digestive and rectal health, coupled with a concern for the sustainability of our profession and women doctors leaving medicine.
These passions, rooted in my commitment to the Hippocratic oath and bolstered by over 20 years of experience, have ignited a vision for transforming how modern women can achieve optimal gut and rectal health, and how women doctors can find sustainability in their medical careers. As others have said before me, let’s stop the gaslighting and address the gender gap, a gap that especially widens after the birth of a woman’s first child!
In each issue, I'll take a heartfelt yet research-backed dive into why women should seek out female doctors, identify the gaps in women's gut and rectal health, discuss the importance of supporting women in medicine, and explore ways to enhance wellness through gastrointestinal health.
And for those curious about the term 'gastroenterology,' we'll cover everything from nutrition to gut, liver, pancreas, the connection between the brain and the digestive system, and even touch on topics like medication and what underwear to use. Yes, let’s go there – guts, butts, and all! No topic's off-limits after working in this field for over two decades.
Thanks for joining me as we unravel, demystify, and understand the intricate world of the near impossible word to pronounce, gastro-enter-ology.
My Story: From Farm Girl to Women's Health Advocate
I am a farm girl from Ohio, raised by high school sweethearts in a tight-knit farming community. My initial aspiration was to be a family doctor, inspired by my parents' health struggles, particularly my father's battle with metastatic cancer. This personal connection steered me towards gastroenterology, driven by a desire to focus on lifestyle and nutrition counseling, and perform endoscopic surgeries to prevent cancers like the one that affected my father.
During my nine-year tenure in private practice gastroenterology, I emerged as the preferred choice for female patients. Women, similar to their preference for female gynecologists, often seek female gastroenterologists for sensitive discussions and procedures like rectal exams and colonoscopies. (This preference is backed by research.)
Indeed, over 90% of my patients were women, and I honed my skills in addressing their specific gut and rectal issues, although it required a concierge-style approach to medicine.
Balancing my professional life with being a mother to two children with food allergies, and navigating the challenges of a postpartum body, I recognized the acute need for a women-specific gastroenterology practice.
Despite my skills and dedication, I grew increasingly disillusioned with the practice I owned and operated. I was financially penalized for using time to drop off or pick up my kids from daycare/school. Boardroom discussions to not support pregnancy, maternity leave, or return to work maternity accommodations (i.e., breast pumping on the go, literally) were constant
I found comfort and direction in this daily affirmation:
“It doesn’t have to be like this. I am a daughter, a mother, a wife, a business owner, and a patient. But foremost, I am a skilled and experienced woman doctor who will advocate for women, myself, and the sustainability of this profession.”
With this resolve, I sold my shares in the practice, bid farewell, and pivoted to start The Women’s Digestive Wellness Project (WDWP) and GutsyRx. Thus, ladies, I am here for you. I am available, knowledgeable, and empathetic.
Professional Bio
Dr. Emily, a board-certified, women-centric gastroenterologist, has dedicated her career to enhancing the healthcare experience for women, particularly in the fields of digestive and rectal health. She also champions the cause of supporting women in medicine and innovating how healthcare is delivered to women.
Dr. Ward's medical expertise began at The Ohio State University, where she excelled in pediatrics and internal medicine. Her exceptional skills and leadership were recognized when she served as Chief Resident of Internal Medicine at Ohio State, further solidifying her commitment to medical excellence. She then relocated to Colorado for gastroenterology training at the University of Colorado, where she distinguished herself again as Chief Gastroenterology Fellow.
Following her training, Dr. Ward co-owned and practiced in a private gastroenterology clinic, serving the communities of Broomfield, Boulder, and Denver counties. Here, she developed a deep-seated passion for addressing the unique digestive and rectal health challenges women face.
Pivoting from this private practice career has been the highlight of her profession, and she is proud to be the founder of The Women’s Digestive Wellness Project and GutsyRx.
Dr. Ward spends her time outside of work with her ER doctor spouse, two small children, and friends hiking, skiing, reading & writing.
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