Sometimes we miss high school. (mix tapes, the Beastie Boys, our prom). Things we don’t miss: the SAT’s, acne, our first visit to the gynecologist. Yup, that first exploration (or any discussion) of our nether region is something few of us look back on with fondness. Well, lucky for our teens, the whole experience has been updated, courtesy of Dr. Jennifer Ashton.
Dr. Ashton, who specializes in Adolescent Gynecology, has a modern approach to medicine. She opened her practice, Hygeia, several years ago to break away from the norm and marry old school doctoring with new technology and conveniences. Born into a family of doctors and educated at Columbia, Dr. Jennifer saw her cardiologist father give the proper attention to each and every one of his patients, and she vowed to carry on his tradition.
Hygeia’s office is designed to put patients at ease as soon as they enter. The spa-like waiting room has only three chairs (because there is barely any waiting period to see the doctor) and the office is wireless, paperless and green. You are presented with a beverage menu (we kid you not), that offers lattes, sparkling water and tea. All patients have full access to computers and flat screens while in the examination rooms. Oh, and not a paper robe in sight; only Kashwere for Dr. Ashton’s lucky patients.
The doc recommends a first gynecological visit anytime between 13 and 15 years of age. Gulp (okay we just had a not so pleasant visual of our tween in stirrups). But no worries, her large teen following is perfectly comfortable with their visits. We’re not sure if it’s the combat boots, non-judgmental attitude, or office email that Hygeia so freely doles out to patients, but it’s obvious Dr. Ashton knows teen-speak really well.
So when the time comes, skip the Starbucks run and hit Hygeia. And if your daughter is still nervous, tell her she can get to know Dr. Ashton before the visit.
Tweet her!
Jennifer Ashton, MD
Hygeia Gynecology
One Engle Street, Englewood
www.drjenniferashton.com
201-399-2812
