PRIVIA HEALTH - Key Persons
Alex C. Vaclavik, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in January 2015. Dr. Vaclavik earned his bachelor's degree in biology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. He returned to Washington, D.C. to complete his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Georgetown University Hospital, where he was awarded the Mother of Pearl Teaching Award. Following his residency, Dr. Vaclavik stayed at Georgetown and joined the faculty OB-GYN practice.
Dr. Vaclavik is interested and experienced in many aspects of obstetric and gynecologic care. He has particular interest in caring for women who are pregnant with multiples as well as helping expectant mothers achieve vaginal births after cesarean sections (VBACs). In addition, Dr. Vaclavik is skilled in minimally invasive surgical techniques, especially hysteroscopies and laparoscopies. He also speaks Spanish.
Dr. Vaclavik and his wife have three young children-a son and two daughters-who keep them very busy. In his spare time, Dr. Vaclavik enjoys running, rowing, cooking and traveling.
As the daughter of a physician, Dr. Eagan grew up intrigued and inspired by his work, specifically the way he took the time to care for his community- patients and colleagues. Dr. Eagan now cares for her community in much the same way. She is known for building relationships of trust with her patients and team.
When she first moved to Richmond in 2007, Dr. Eagan worked as a youth minister and mentor for young women, and coached lacrosse for middle and high school-aged girls. Over the years, Dr. Eagan continued caring in our community and beyond by volunteering with the Fan Free Clinic (now Health Brigade) for five years during medical school and traveling with a medical mission group to El Salvador several times. Dr. Eagan credits these life experiences for enriching her appreciation for women's health and comprehensive care.
Dr. Eagan wants her patients to feel known and heard. "I want to meet them where they are and let them know that they are in a safe space to ask questions without embarrassment and express vulnerability without fear. Further, I want them to know that going forward, we will address whatever health concerns or life challenges they encounter as a team."
If Dr. Eagan hadn't followed her passion for caring for others, she likely would have been an artist. She graduated with a degree in studio art and has done commissioned work in the past. Dr. Eagan loves running, hiking, and biking-really any activity outside. On the weekends, you'll typically find her in the mountains, on the trails at the river, or heading to Virginia Beach for a day on the water.
Dr. Gray says, "Being a part of bringing a new life into the world never gets old. It's an honor!" She loves everything about helping women throughout their pregnancies (both low and high-risk), VBAC counseling, gestational diabetes management and postpartum contraception. She also knows how important it is to be there for women for patients who experience pregnancy loss.
Beyond pregnancy, Dr. Gray loves the scope of being able to help women throughout their life journeys, including contraception, infertility, menstrual management, and breast health care. Dr. Gray is a proponent of minimally invasive surgery and is trained on the Da Vinci Surgical System.
When she's not in the office or at the hospital, Dr. Gray loves spending time with her husband, son, and their Boston Terrier, Louie, friends and family. Or, you may find her cheering at a Virginia Tech football game, exercising, or relaxing on the beach.
Job Titles:
- Certified Nurse Midwife and OB / GYN Nurse Practitioner
Amy Hall is a board-certified Nurse Midwife and OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia in 1992 and her Master of Science in Nurse-Midwifery from SUNY Stony Brook, New York in 2012.
Amy's passion for women's health care is holistic-and personal. She values the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit. Educating expectant parents about the life-long benefits of breastfeeding and following through with helping mom and baby become a successful nursing duo is a specialty Amy brings to the practice.
Amy moved from Eastern Long Island to the Northern Neck of Virginia for its rural lifestyle, boating and fishing. She also loves gardening and photographing nature.
Beth Lyn Tozer, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in the summer of 2012.
Dr. Tozer earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical College of Virginia, where she was elected Administrative Chief Resident. In addition to this honor, Dr. Tozer was the recipient of multiple awards during the course of her residency, including the Lucien Wood and Ida Talley Roberts Award for the most outstanding resident, the Outstanding Resident Award from the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, the Wetchler Award for exceptional teaching and leadership, and the John W. Seeds Award for excellence in ultrasonography. She was also the recipient of the Resident Research Award and her research has been presented at both national and international conferences.
Dr. Tozer enjoys all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, with a particular focus on high- and low-risk pregnancies and gynecologic surgery. She is a certified daVinci® Robotic Surgeon and has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery.
In her spare time, Dr. Tozer enjoys spending time with her young son, hiking, cooking, yoga, gardening and exploring the Richmond music scene. Dr. Tozer volunteers with Bonnie Blue Rescue, where she and her husband function as a foster family for rescue dogs. They provide a home, basic training, and aid in placing them into permanent homes.
Catherine D. Douglas, M.S., R.N.C., W.H.N.P., is a registered nurse and board-certified women's health nurse practitioner. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Medical College of Virginia. There, she completed a Master of Science degree (summa cum laude) in nursing with a concentration in obstetrics and gynecology. Catherine is also a cum laude graduate of the College of William and Mary, where she studied psychology and art/art history. She joined Virginia Women's Center in 2007.
The fine arts were Catherine's first aspiration and she worked as a graphic designer and oil painter while in college. After completing pre-medical studies at the College of William and Mary, Catherine's focus turned to women's heath care. After graduate school at MCV, and work on the Women's Surgical Unit at VCU Health System, she returned to Williamsburg/Newport News where she worked as a nurse practitioner in investigational drug research studies, urogynecology, gynecology and high-risk obstetrics. She has been active in the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners, the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health and the MCV Alumni Association. She is also a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and Old Dominion University's adjunct faculty.
Catherine was at one-time a student of developmental psychology and women's studies. Today that translates into her work with young women, helping them make healthy choices that support them throughout their lives. Catherine has also taught throughout her career, and with her own education and experience, is particularly gifted in presenting information to women of all ages. Whether working with women to have a healthy pregnancy or helping women deal more effectively with the challenges of menopause, she is patient and encouraging. In addition, Catherine offers BRAC and COLARIS Testing to determine whether an individual has certain hereditary gene mutations that would increase her risk of having certain cancers.
In her spare time, Catherine enjoys motorcycling, skiing, golfing, and traveling with family and friends. She is an active yoga practitioner, dancer and Star Wars fan. However, her favorite activity is quality time with her family: her husband Chris, two children and their Siberian huskies.
Job Titles:
- Certified Women 's Health Nurse Practitioner
Cathleen Ford Conner is a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner. She earned a bachelor's in nursing from the College of New Rochelle. She earned a master's degree as a women's health nurse practitioner and a degree as a family nurse practitioner from the Medical College of Virginia. While at MCV, she was a nurse practitioner in the obstetrics department and worked with post-partum patients. She also worked in the gynecology clinic and what was then the OB/GYN emergency room. She joined Virginia Women's Center in 1995.
Christina P. McWhorter, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in 2015 and practices at our Mechanicsville location. Dr. McWhorter earned her bachelor's degree from the College of William and Mary and her medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine. She completed her internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical University of South Carolina. During her residency, Dr. McWhorter received several awards including the Dr. H.O. Williamson Award for best all-around resident and excellence in all aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, the J. Marion Sims Award for surgical excellence in obstetrics and gynecology, and the Thomas C. Rowland, Jr. Resident Research Award. She is a junior fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as well as a member of the American Medical Association.
Dr. McWhorter enjoys many aspects of obstetric and gynecologic care. She has a particular interest in working with teens and young women as she enjoys educating them on contraception options and family planning. She is able to provide a myriad of contraceptive options to her patients including long-acting, reversible contraception. She also has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery including hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.
Dr. McWhorter is especially passionate about obstetrics. She enjoys caring for women with both low- and high-risk pregnancies, including women who desire vaginal births after cesarean sections (VBACs).
Dr. McWhorter is excited to return to her home state of Virginia. When she is not working, she enjoys yoga, cooking and baking, and most of all spending time with her husband, son and daughter.
Dr. Hutcheson earned his undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary. He received his medical education and completed his residency at the Medical College of Virginia. Prior to joining Virginia Women's Center's Mechanicsville office in 1998, Dr. Hutcheson served as an assistant professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical College of Virginia. He was also the director of the abnormal Pap smear clinic at MCV.
Dr. Hutcheson is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He has also been named a fellow by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. In 2016, Dr. Hutcheson retired from obstetrics to dedicate his time to office gynecology.
In his spare time, Dr. Hutcheson enjoys exercising, especially CrossFit, spending time with his wife and daughter, and scuba diving whenever possible.
Dr. Courtney Legum-Wenk joined Virginia Women's Center in 2017 and practices at our Short Pump location. Prior to joining VWC, Dr. Legum-Wenk cared for women at Commonwealth OB/GYN Specialists-part of the HCA Virginia Health System.
Dr. Legum-Wenk serves women of all ages with a slightly stronger concentration on younger women-teens to 40s. She connects well with students, professionals and full-time moms alike. Dr. Legum-Wenk loves working with teens and helping them navigate life.
Dr. Legum-Wenk wants her patients to feel comfortable during their visits-almost as if they're family. She's passionate about making women of all shapes and sizes feel comfortable and cared for-in a way that is right for them. Her best day is getting a hug or a smile when she's made a difference in the life of someone she's cared for.
Throughout her education, Dr. Legum-Wenk received numerous academic and service accolades. She received a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, an M.A. from the University of Virginia in Bioethics, and a B.A. in biology from Hollins University. Dr. Legum-Wenk is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She's experienced in gynecologic surgery and trained in daVinci minimally invasive robotic surgery.
When she's not caring for her patients, Dr. Legum-Wenk is an avid runner. She's completed many half marathons and hopes to run the Honolulu, Hawaii full marathon in 2018. She enjoys weekly group runs on Wednesday evenings and would love to run alongside her patients. She's married to the love of her life, Andrew. They met through mutual friends at 18 and started dating at 21. He proposed to his "Galway Girl" on the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. They have two dogs, Giada and Wink Wenk.
Edmund D. Schoeffler, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in 1990 and practices at our West End location. Dr. Schoeffler enjoys caring for women throughout their life journey. He specializes in post-menopausal management, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and pelvic relaxation surgery.
Dr. Schoeffler received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his medical degree from the University of Virginia. He completed his internship and residency in OB-GYN at the Medical College of Virginia. Dr. Schoeffler is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. In 2007, Dr. Schoeffler served as the Chief of Staff at Henrico Doctors' Hospital.
Outside of the office, Dr. Schoeffler is an avid golfer who is certified by the USGA in the rules of golf. He also enjoys photography and scuba diving. Most of all, he enjoys the time he spends with his wife and their two daughters.
Dr. Roberts received her undergraduate degree from Smith College in Massachusetts and her medical degree and doctorate from the Medical College of Virginia. She completed her residency and internship in obstetrics and gynecology at the Magee-Womens Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh. She is board certified with the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Roberts is interested and experienced in many aspects of obstetric and gynecologic care. She has particular interest in minimally invasive surgical techniques for addressing a number of women's health concerns including endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, hysterectomy, and fibroids among others. To that end, she is a member of the American Association for Gynecologic Laparoscopy. She is also trained in using the daVinci® Surgical System for minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Roberts is also interested in caring for women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). She joined Virginia Women's Center in 2008 and has been in practice since 2005.
Dr. Roberts is married with two young girls. She and her family are part of a community-supported agricultural cooperative which yields locally-grown produce. She loves to cook and believes in the local food movement. When she can, Dr. Roberts likes zumba and yoga for exercise.
Heidi L. Braun, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in 2003 and practices at our Short Pump location. Dr. Braun's obstetrics and gynecology practice is well-rounded. She especially enjoys working with expectant mothers as well as teens and their unique health care needs. Dr. Braun has also co-authored an article on rare uterine tumors which appeared in the Journal of Clinical Ultrasound.
Dr. Braun received a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. She also completed her internship and residency at the Medical College of Virginia in obstetrics and gynecology. During her residency, Dr. Braun was awarded the Berlex Teaching Award. She was also a member of Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. Throughout her education, Dr. Braun received several academic and extracurricular scholarships. Dr. Braun is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
In her spare time, Dr. Braun spends as much time as she can with her husband and two daughters. As a family, they enjoy exercising and cheering on the Washington Redskins and the VCU Rams. Dr. Braun also enjoys reading, especially detective and mystery novels.
Dr. Buettner has built a successful practice around the needs of women of all ages. She emphasizes individualized medical care, by getting to know the unique qualities of her patients. Dr. Buettner is an advocate for disease prevention and optimal well-being for women in their teens to menopause and beyond.
Dr. Buettner is a skilled surgeon in traditional surgeries as well as minimally invasive surgeries. Virginia Women's Center patients for whom surgery is necessary can benefit from Dr. Buettner's training in using the daVinci® Surgical System for minimally invasive procedures.
Educated in both her native Germany and the U.S., Dr. Buettner has two medical degrees-M.D. and Dr. Med. She is married to a classical pianist and has one daughter. When not at work, her family is busy with exercise, travel and church activities. They also enjoy biking, hiking, skiing, cooking and reading.
Job Titles:
- Health Nurse Practitioner With Virginia Women 's Center
Kelly Yeong is a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner with Virginia Women's Center. She has specialized training to care for women throughout their life journey, providing comprehensive gynecologic care. She also assists women with family planning, menopause management, weight and other wellness issues. In addition, Kelly offers BRAC and COLARIS Testing to determine whether an individual has certain hereditary gene mutations that would increase her risk of having certain cancers. She works collaboratively with our physicians and sees patients of her own.
Kelly earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from State University of New York-Binghamton, Decker School of Nursing. She holds a master of science degree from the Medical College of Virginia School of Nursing. She also has advanced training through the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.
Prior to her work in the women's healthcare office setting, she was a labor and delivery nurse with Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes Birthing Center in New York for five years. She also worked as a registered nurse on the Postpartum, Nursery and Gynecological surgical unit at Our Lady of Lourdes.
Kelly and her husband have three children, and the family stays active by hiking, swimming, and camping. The Yeong family also has two horses and one pony. They enjoy equestrian activities such as eventing and fox hunting. Kelly also enjoys baking during the holidays, especially pies.
Note: At this time, Kelly is not accepting new gynecology patients. Her focus is caring for her existing gynecological patients and meeting the needs of new and existing health and wellness patients.
Dr. Kimberly Galgano received her medical degree from the University of Virginia, where she also completed her residency. She graduated Cum Laude from Dartmouth College, with a Bachelor of Arts and attended the College of William and Mary, where she received her master's degree in history.
Dr. Galgano is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Among Dr. Galgano's accomplishments, she was honored as chief resident of the OB-GYN department at the University of Virginia. She was also resident physician of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, where she received the resident teaching award. Dr. Galgano was also named a Bowman scholar for excellence in clinical clerkships.
Dr. Galgano enjoys the full spectrum of obstetrics and gynecology, from adolescence to menopause, and high-risk pregnancy.
Dr. Galgano enjoys running, traveling with her husband and spending as much time as possible with her two daughters and son. In 2000, Dr. Galgano completed the Boston marathon.
Dr. Kristin Schraa attended Bellarmine College in Louisville, Kentucky where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She received her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed her residency at the Medical College of Virginia. She joined Virginia Women's Center in 1998 and practices at our Mechanicsville office.
In 2012, Dr. Schraa retired from obstetrics to focus her practice on gynecology. She enjoys caring for women of all ages and has particular interest in adolescent health, reproductive issues, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and perimenopause. Dr. Schraa is also experienced in gynecologic surgery and offers the MonaLisa© laser procedures for the treatment of vaginal atrophy. She is passionate about breast cancer screening and serves as the Executive Director of Breast Health Services at Virginia Women's Center.
Dr. Schraa is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is a fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a member of the Richmond Academy of Medicine and the Ware-Dunn Society.
Laura Pendlebury, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in 2005. She is as inspired by delivering babies as she is helping teens or women at midlife with their unique medical needs.
Dr. Pendlebury received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. She also completed her internship and residency in OB-GYN at the Medical College of Virginia. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Among her accomplishments, MCV honored her with the Berlex Best Teaching Resident Award. She also received the Daniel Crooks Award in obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Pendlebury and her husband have three sons - two of whom are twins. Dr. Pendlebury stays active with her family by hiking, skiing and swimming. She and her husband also enjoy sports fishing and travel. Dedicated to her Italian heritage, Dr. Pendlebury has traveled throughout Italy, especially in Northern Italy to her family's home near Bologna. In addition, Dr. Pendlebury and her family visit England frequently to visit her husband's family.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Genetic Counselor
Leigh B. Lewis, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in 2005 and practices at our West End office. Dr. Lewis is passionate about caring for women in all stages of life. From first gynecological exams to treating pre-menstrual syndrome and irregular cycles, to menopausal medicine, Dr. Lewis enjoys addressing the challenges of women at every age. In addition, she thoroughly enjoys caring for women with both routine and high-risk pregnancies whether single or multiple gestations.
Dr. Lewis received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her medical degree from the University of Kentucky. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Lewis is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
Marie K. Grove, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in 2019 and practices at our Short Pump and Midlothian locations. She strives for her patients to leave each visit feeling comfortable, satisfied, and in control of their health. Providing women wholesome obstetrical and gynecologic care throughout all stages of their lives is what she truly loves about the field of OBGYN. And what makes coming to work every day so gratifying.
Dr. Grove received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Maryland in College Park and her Doctorate of Medicine from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. She then went on to complete her internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.
Dr. Grove loves working with women of all ages, from teenage years to menopause and beyond. She enjoys preventative medicine, managing low or high-risk pregnancies, and helping women understand and address common issues such as heavy uterine bleeding and fibroids. Dr. Grove is passionate about minimally invasive surgery, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopic hysterectomy, and robotic-assisted procedures. She's highly skilled in da Vinci robotic surgery and received two awards in residency for excellence in minimally invasive surgery. Active throughout her academic career, Dr. Grove served numerous leadership roles in committees and organizations and was awarded several scholarships and awards.
Dr. Grove's passion for helping women extends beyond Virginia Women's Center walls and even our United States borders. She headed a medical mission trip to Ghana to provide primary care for women in need. Additionally, Dr. Grove developed and led the educational aspect of the trip, teaching preventative medicine to elementary and middle school girls.
When she's not caring for women, Dr. Grove loves running (including marathons!), biking, exploring Richmond, and family trips to the Eastern Shore. She especially loves spending time with her husband, three young daughters, son, and their dogs!
After providing office-based OB-GYN care in the Northern Neck for over 20 years, Matthew F. Vogel, M.D. joined our Virginia Women's Center team in April of 2014. Dr. Vogel practices at our Kilmarnock location.
Dr. Vogel loves caring for women of all ages and stages. He is as inspired by helping women through pregnancy as he is helping teens or women at midlife with their unique medical needs. Dr. Vogel enjoys getting to know new patients, and more often than not, they leave feeling incredibly comfortable in his care-like they've known him for years.
Dr. Vogel received his bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri in Rolla and his dentistry degree from the University of Missouri in Kansas City. After graduating from dental school, he attended the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree. Dr. Vogel completed his internship and residency at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. Dr. Vogel is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and is a Diplomate with the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
In his spare time, Dr. Vogel enjoys spending time with his family, reading, fishing and kayaking. He also stays active by volunteering at the Northern Neck Free Health Clinic.
Megan B. Shannon, MD joined Virginia Women's Center in 2018 and practices at our Short Pump, Mechanicsville and Midlothian locations. As a Urogynecologist, Dr. Shannon has been specialty trained in medical and surgical options for women with pelvic floor disorders. She recognizes many women are hesitant to talk about pelvic pain, bladder, bowel or prolapse issues and as a result, they suffer in silence. Dr. Shannon wants her patients to know that these are very common issues women-of all ages-face. And, since many of these issues impact intimacy and the entire pelvic region, it's important to get care as soon as possible.
Dr. Shannon received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC, and her Doctorate of Medicine from Wake Forest University as well. It was in medical school she realized that she felt most energized when taking care of women on her OBGYN rotation. She completed her internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. During residency, she spent extra time studying urogynecology and realized that this subspecialty allowed her to truly connect with patients about common issues with bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. She decided to dedicate her career to these women and completed her fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery at Loyola University Hospital in Maywood, IL.
Always wanting to learn and explore, Dr. Shannon, a native of Napa, left her entire family and made the move to the east coast for college. She and her husband enjoyed Richmond during her residency (her husband is a University of Richmond Law School graduate), and are thrilled to return. When not caring for her patients, Dr. Shannon spends her time with her husband, son, daughter, and their two dogs. They thoroughly enjoy Richmond's outdoor life and fantastic restaurant scene.
Megan K. Cassidy, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in December 2014. Born and raised in California, Dr. Cassidy earned her bachelor's degree at the University of California in Los Angeles. She attended the University of Virginia for her medical degree and remained there for her residency in obstetrics and gynecology. During her residency, Dr. Cassidy was honored with the Berlex Resident Teaching Award. She is a fellow in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as a member of the American Medical Association. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Cassidy's practice spans the full spectrum of women's health. She is passionate about empowering women through education, beginning at the very first OB-GYN exam in the teen years, and continuing throughout each age and stage. In addition, Dr. Cassidy enjoys high-risk pregnancy care and initial evaluations for fertility.
Dr. Cassidy and her husband enjoy spending all the time they can with their three children: two girls and one boy. As a family, they enjoy doing triathlons. Her youngest, while not able to participate in a triathlon yet, aspires to join his parents and sisters soon. Dr. Cassidy is an active runner and enjoys participating in the Richmond Marathon and Marine Corps Marathon.
Priya Raju, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center as an Obstetrician-Gynecologist in 2018 and practices at our Short Pump location. As a daughter of a cardiologist, Dr. Raju's interest in medicine started early. She grew up thinking she wanted to be a pediatrician, but early in her OB/GYN rotation, she realized her passion was caring for women. Dr. Raju's approach to patient care is conversational-listening, more than talking. In today's busy world, she understands there is so much going on at home and work that can impact a woman's health so Dr. Raju wants to make sure she fully understands all of the demands on her patients. Additionally, Dr. Raju wants her patients to have a voice in their care plans.
Dr. Raju received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with honors from the University of Florida and her medical degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She then completed her internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News where she served as Co-Chief Resident. Throughout her education, Dr. Raju received numerous scholarships, grants, honors and awards.
With a passion for travel and helping others, Dr. Raju has volunteered with several organizations overseas. As a Student Site Leader for the Honduras Outreach Medical Brigada Relief Effort (HOMBRE), Dr. Raju helped raise funds and plan medical mission trips to Northern Honduras. There, Dr. Raju and the team provided much-needed medical care to underserved areas. When she's not caring for women, Dr. Raju stays busy with her husband and young daughter. They enjoy spending time together outdoors hiking and playing with their two rescue dogs. And, they enjoy cheering for the VCU Rams!
As a student at the University of Virginia, the future Dr. Wheeler was drawn to the sciences, particularly biology courses. But she didn't choose medicine as a career until her third year when she realized that life as a physician would perfectly combine her love of science with her desire to help people. Later, in medical school, she chose to specialize in women's healthcare. Up to that point, she hadn't even considered OBGYN as a specialty, but on the very first day of her OBGYN rotation, she fell in love with the idea of caring for women through every stage of their lives.
Intrigued by the procedural aspects of gynecology as well as minimally invasive surgical treatment options that allow for quicker recovery time, Dr. Wheeler is equally devoted to really listening to her patients. "I want them to leave their appointment feeling heard and understood. It's important to me that they feel supported through whatever issues they are experiencing. I also want to empower them to make healthcare decisions in line with their values and priorities." Although she enjoys caring for women during all stages of their lives, she particularly enjoys getting to know her adolescent patients. Misinformation can be rampant among teens, and she loves not only being an educator but preparing them to make their own decisions.
As committed to volunteering as she is to her patients, Dr. Wheeler has traveled to southwest Virginia where she worked as part of an interdisciplinary team to offer medical care in a region that desperately needed it. She also spent one month in a remote area of Kenya where she cared for patients with limited access to healthcare, while also training local med students and residents. "It's exceptionally rewarding to teach and relay knowledge to people in areas where good healthcare is so desperately needed."
A Richmond native, Dr. Wheeler and her husband enjoy so much of what the city has to offer. On any given day you might find them enjoying one of the city's many festivals, attending a Friday Cheers concert on Brown's Island in the summer, or enjoying a Broadway show at the Altria Theater. She also loves international travel and looks forward to traveling more in the future!
Rachel E. Wheeler, MD Alex C. Vaclavik, MD Sarah K. Johnson, PA, RDN Christie Farrell, WHNP-BC Katherine Bishop, MD Nikki O'Neill, MD Catherine DeTeresa, MD Meghana Kaloji, MD Allison Gray, MD Alexandra Eagan, MD Nidhi Khosla, MD, MBBS, FACOG Giulia M. Dulá, MD Marie K. Grove, MD Christina P. McWhorter, MD Courtney Legum-Wenk, DO Douglas P. Hutcheson, MD Edmund D. Schoeffler, MD Elizabeth B. Roberts, MD, PhD Elizabeth R. Compton, WHNP-BC Eryn K.S. Clipp, MD Heidi L. Braun, MD Jessica M. DeMay, MD Karen W. Jefferson, MD Karin W. Buettner, MD Katherine B. Livingston, WHNP-BC Kathryn Lawlor, WHNP-BC Keith P. Berkle, MD, MBA Kelly L. Yeong, WHNP-BC Kimberly M. Galgano, MD Kristin P. Schraa, MD Laura C. Pendlebury, MD Laurie Tams, Licensed Genetic Counselor Leigh B. Lewis, MD Lisa Cuseo-Ott, PhD Matthew F. Vogel, MD Megan K. Cassidy, MD Monica M. Powers, MD Peter T. Wilbanks, MD Rachel N. Kreis, MD Sara I. Sarraf, MD Terri M Page, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC Tovia Martirosian Smith, MD Wendy Dotson, CNM, MSN Daniel L. Noffsinger, MD Alexandra J. Tate, MD Amy Mia Hall, CNM, OGNP Megan B. Shannon, MD Cathleen F. Conner, WHNP-BC Catherine D. Douglas, WHNP-BC Priya Raju, MD Beth Lyn Tozer, MD
Dr. Rachel Northeim Kreis, M.D., joined Virginia Women's Center in 2017 and practices at our Mechanicsville location. Dr. Kreis passionately cares for women of all ages with varying health concerns. Dr. Kreis believes in taking the time to hear each patient's story to get a full understanding of what they're going through in their lives. She loves to educate women about their health challenges and provide multiple treatment options so that they can-together-craft a clear treatment plan. For Dr. Kreis, a good day is getting a smile and a thank you from a patient whose life she impacted. And, then seeing them at a follow-up appointment on the road to recovery.
Dr. Kreis received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with honors from Duke University and her medical degree with distinction from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill. She continued her education there with a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Throughout her education, Dr. Kreis has received numerous academic and service accolades resulting in scholarships, grants and teaching opportunities. Additionally, she co-directed the Student Health Action Coalition (SHAC) student-run medical clinic while at Chapel Hill.
Dr. Kreis' passion for helping women extends far beyond our borders. She is dedicated to caring for women in underserved countries with low-resource medicine and has volunteered and led programs in South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, India, Tanzania, Honduras and most recently, Cambodia. Not only does Dr. Kreis care for women overseas, she also helps educate and train local providers so that better care is available to women long after she's gone.She loves spending time with her husband, daughter and their two rescue cats-Oscar and Ava.
Sara I. Sarraf, M.D. joined Virginia Women's Center in the summer of 2013. Dr. Sarraf enjoys working with women of all ages. Offering women complete obstetric and gynecologic care throughout the various stages of their lives is what she truly loves about coming to work every day.
Dr. Sarraf earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and her master's degree from the Boston University School of Public Health. Dr. Sarraf received her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia, where she also completed her internship and residency in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. During her residency, Dr. Sarraf served as chief resident. She is a junior fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Dr. Sarraf loves working with teens and young women in their early reproductive years as she enjoys the opportunity to provide them with education, contraceptive counseling and family planning. Long term contraceptive options have been an area of interest for her and she has published several research articles on this topic. Dr. Sarraf offers her patients a wide range of management options for abnormal and heavy uterine bleeding as well as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). She has a special interest in minimally invasive surgery and is certified in the daVinci® Surgical System. In addition, Dr. Sarraf offers BRAC and COLARIS Testing to determine whether an individual has certain hereditary gene mutations that would increase her risk of having certain cancers. She has comfort in managing the changes of life that occur with menopause and thereafter.
Dr. Sarraf enjoys providing obstetrical care to women with both low- and high-risk pregnancies. Offering a natural obstetrical approach is a particular interest of hers, however she is also comfortable in managing multi-gestation pregnancies and other high-risk pregnancies in close coordination with our maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Dr. Sarraf also has an interest in international women's health and has worked in both Honduras and Ghana. This has afforded her the ability to teach obstetric and gynecological surgical techniques to other physicians, medical students and midwives. These experiences provided her unique exposure to women's health issues prevalent in diverse ethnic and immigrant populations.
In her spare time, Dr. Sarraf enjoys yoga, distance running, hiking, traveling and cooking. She also spends as much time as she can with her husband, young son and daughter, and their Boston Terrier.
Sarah K. Johnson, physician assistant, may be familiar to many of you! Years ago, Sarah was an integral part of our Health & Wellness team. As a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), Sarah helped thousands of women achieve their optimal weight and wellness goals. Her passion for the health of women at all stages of life coupled with her experience as an RDN inspired Sarah to go back to school to become a physician assistant. We are thrilled to welcome Sarah back to the VWC care team!
After a visit with her, Sarah wants her patients to feel safe, heard, and well cared for. "I strive to create an environment where patients have my undivided attention and feel comfortable talking with me - about anything. I want them to leave with a clear picture of their overall health, and if they have a medical condition or health goal, a comprehensive understanding of their care plan. I am devoted to really listening to my patients."
Sarah is passionate about helping women during all stages of their lives. She loves helping teens navigate puberty, educating young women about their contraceptive options, as well as helping women with the sometimes debilitating challenges associated with perimenopause/menopause. As a PA and RDN, Sarah is uniquely qualified to treat women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) both from a nutritional and medical perspective. Similarly, Sarah is able to draw on her medical expertise and former experience as a dietitian to help women navigate the many challenges associated with menopause - including weight gain. For Sarah, the most rewarding aspect of being a women's health provider is building relationships of trust. "Truly, I am honored to walk with women through the many seasons of their lives - the joys and the challenges."
A native of Virginia, Sarah loves visiting her family in Virginia Beach whenever she can. Not one for sitting still, Sarah is happiest outside. She loves running, cycling, and hiking on the trails along the river, in the mountains, or in and around the Fan and Museum Districts. On weekends, Sarah enjoys so much of what the city has to offer. You may find her at the farmer's market, visiting the latest VMFA exhibit, down by the river, or checking out the latest restaurant. Additionally, she is active in her church and volunteers whenever she can. Sarah absolutely loves RVA and all of the amazing people that live here.