Obstetrics and Gynecology

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has 6 physicians and 2 nurse practitioners. They see patients in Canandaigua and are accepting new patients. See the services provided by the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Office telephone numbers

What is a medical specialist?

A medical specialist is a physician who has completed the usual four years of medical school plus three to six years of training in a residency program where there is extensive study and preparation for them to care for patients in specific areas of medicine. As a resident the physician spends full time in a hospital or ambulatory care setting under the supervision of teachers. During this time the resident cares for patients, attends conferences, and participates in research in the area of specialty being studied.  At the end of the residency the physician must complete a comprehensive evaluation and examination in order to receive certification. Some specialty boards also require recertification every seven to ten years to maintain the certification. In addition the physician must participate in yearly continuing medical education.

What is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist?

Obstetrician-Gynecologists are physicians who possess special knowledge, skills and abilities in the medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders. They are consultants to other physicians in these areas and serve as primary care physicians for women.  As obstetricians, they care for the woman when she is pregnant. They have been trained to care for both the mother and the unborn child during both normal and complicated pregnancies. As gynecologists they care for the woman when she is not pregnant and treat both medical and surgical illnesses as well as provide preventative care.

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife?

In the United States, a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is an Advanced Practice Nurse who has specialized education and training in both Nursing and Midwifery. CNM's function as primary healthcare providers for women and most often provide medical care for relatively healthy women, whose birth is considered uncomplicated and not "high risk," as well as their neonate. Certified Nurse-Midwives, in most states, are required to possess a minimum of a graduate degree such as the Master of Science in Nursing, or Post-Master's Certificate. By 2010, all Certified Nurse Midwives will be required to hold a graduate (Masters) degree.

Additionally, Certified Nurse Midwives must also hold an active Registered Nurse license in the state in which they practice. Certified Nurse Midwives practice in hospitals and medical clinics, and may also deliver in birthing centers and attend at-home births. They are able to prescribe some medications, treatments, medical devices, therapeutic and diagnostic measures, et al. in all 50 states. CNMs, while their specific scope of practice will vary depending on which state they are licensed to practice, in most states they provide medical care to women from puberty through menopause, including care for their newborn, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and nonsurgical gynecological care.

Certified Nurse Midwives may work closely, or in collaboration, with an Obstetrician & Gynecologist, who provides consultation and/or assistance to patients who develop complications or have complex medical histories or disease(s). Often, women with high risk pregnancies can receive the benefits of midwifery care from a Certified Nurse Midwife in collaboration with a physician.

What is a Nurse Practitioner?

A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered professional nurse with advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area. Nurse practitioners work with people of all ages and their families, providing information people need to make informed decisions about their health care and lifestyle choices. Nurse practitioners evaluate the health status of patients through history taking, physical examination and evaluation of laboratory tests. They provide comprehensive health care wellness evaluations as well as assess and manage acute minor illnesses and refer patients to physicians and other health care providers when necessary. The nurse practitioner prescribes medicines and other therapies when it is appropriate. At the Canandaigua Medical Group, your doctor reviews all notes of your visits with the nurse practitioner. The physician remains ultimately responsible for your health care. Through the nurse practitioner your doctor can be more responsive to your individual needs.

Nurse Practitioners have been in practice with the Canandaigua Medical Group (CMG) for over 20 years. Initially they practiced only in Internal Medicine but today they work within all the specialty areas of CMG.

The Nurse Practitioner movement began over 25 years ago in Colorado at a time of a severe physician shortage. Registered nurses were trained in advanced techniques of diagnosis and treatment to fill the need during that time. Today, most of our nurse practitioners have had at least 8 years of education and clinical practice before they take their first job. All of them had been practicing as registered nurses before they went back to school for their advanced education.

Here at the Canandaigua Medical Group, they are an integral part of the health care team. They practice in the collaborative relationship with our physician colleagues, diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic illnesses. They are able to prescribe medications, order, perform and interpret diagnostic studies and lab work, provide immunizations, perform physical exams, check ups and promote health seeking behavior and wellness. They counsel, educate, teach and treat individuals and families about their total health care needs.As professional health care specialists, they bring their years of nursing experience and education to the care of each individual and family.

There are more than 8,600 Nurse Practitioners certified to practice in New York State and some of the very best are here at the Canandaigua Medical Group as integral members of your health care team.