Dr. Rebecca Burdette

In 1980, I started on the maternity unit as a RN and have been passionate and committed to the care of women ever since. My biology and psychology degrees provide the framework for how I approach the whole person. While working as a gynecologist, I became acutely aware of the importance of sexual health in a woman’s life and hence took specific courses and independently studied this area until I became competent to apply my expertise. Unfortunately, many women have a history of sexual assault, so I've had to gain knowledge, sympathy and empathy, so I can help women with their deep rooted issues. In my community I actively support the organizations that address sexual abuse. Approximately five years ago, I realized the importance of being able to adequately assist women in their weight loss efforts. So, again, I took the appropriate course work and became board certified in Obesity Medicine. Obesity is an epidemic and the consequences to our nation are profound. ACOG’s new president, Dr. Mark DeFrancesco, stated in his opening remarks, “urged OB/GYNs to provide more comprehensive care with specific focus on obesity..”. There are now 6 FDA approved weight loss medications. The postpartum algorithm even states that BMI’s of 30 and above should be considered for pharmacotherapy. I whole heartedly agree with this philosophy. And, have witnessed firsthand, on many occasions, the health rewards of weight loss, healthy eating, exercise and healthy lifestyles. Likewise, a woman’s mental health has an impact on her overall physical health and her ability to deal with a specific gynecological condition, so over the years, I’ve attended conferences and taken CME courses that address the DSM diseases. Once one has a comprehension of all of these areas of health and illness, the complexity of how they are intertwined becomes more apparent and easier to treat. Rebecca G. Burdette MD