We chatted with Brenda this month to learn more about her role at Apothecary by Design and to see what she loves most about being a patient resource.
Tell us about your background and expertise in women's health.
I hold a certification in reproductive endocrinology and I've had extensive training in women's health, nutrition and infertility. I worked at Coastal Women's Healthcare in Scarborough for over 18 years, functioning as a staff nurse and assisting the OB-GYN doctors in many ways. I acted as coordinator in Maine for vitro fertilization (IVF) patients - teaching injections, talking through cycles, and preparing patients for the IVF process. I also ran hysterectomy groups for women where I offered physical and emotional support during treatment.
During my last five years there, I became more interested in bio-identical hormone therapy (bHRT) and starting working with Joe Lorello here at ABD. The doctor I was working with at the time was open to bHRT treatment and would let me work with the women on finding the right formulas. I have been helping women deal with menopause since and I love it.
What is your current role at Apothecary by Design?
I offer patient consults with peri- and post-menopausal women and provide patient education. In coordination with their practitioners, I work with patients to develop a bio-identical hormone therapy plan and make sure that current forms of treatment are working for them. I also still work closely with our compounding team, calling all of the patients who get compounded prescriptions to make sure they know how to correctly measure and administer their medications.
How do you work with patients and their practitioners to come up with a plan to manage menopausal symptoms?
Patients come to me either through referrals from physicians or own their own. When I receive a referral, I get background medical records from the patient's practitioner to review for contra-indications and personal history. Then I sit down with the patient to consult and come up with a bio-identical formula and treatment plan that is right and easiest for them. We go over the compounding process (when necessary), the form of the medication, dosing and how they will take it.
Then I follow up after they receive the medication, and six weeks later to check and see if we need to make any modifications to treatment. (My door is always open, too, if at any time patients want to call with questions or concerns.)
When a patient comes to me on her own, we still sit down and talk through appropriate bHRT options. I devise a formula for treatment and most of the time when I contact her practitioner, he or she is open to what I suggest. If not, I can work together with each patient on a solution.
How does one schedule an appointment and how much does it cost?
Our patient consults are free and always have been. To schedule a consult, you just have to give a call and ask to speak with me. I work part-time and schedule most of my consults on Thursdays, with some on Wednesdays. I prefer to do consults in person but I will do them by phone if need be.
What do you see as the biggest benefit of your consults?
When you come in for a consult, you have someone that is all yours. This is an area of expertise for me and I love sharing it to help others. An initial consult typically lasts about an hour, so you have plenty of time to share your story and your concerns - free of charge. Women tell me often how much it means to have time with someone, and to have an expert really listening to them to determine the right plan and adjust as needed.
And what is your favorite part of the job?
Oh I love talking and spending time with these women too! It's challenging, it's rewarding, and it's really fun.
To schedule a patient consult with Brenda, call our store at 207-899-0663 x223. Stay tuned to our newsletters and blog for more insights from Brenda.
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