Vivian E. von Gruenigen, MD

The elective induction of labor is no longer sustainable

Conditions

April 10, 2013

Why do some obstetricians, midwives and family physicians electively induce labor? The answer is long and politically infused. Nevertheless, it includes patient desires, physician convenience and the acceptance of induction as a form of labor.

The induction of labor is the use of medicine or other methods to initiate uterine contractions. If performed for nonmedical indications, the gestational age should be at least 39 weeks or more and the cervix ought …

Read more…

Do your homework when looking for a new doctor

Vivian E. von Gruenigen, MD

Physician

September 21, 2012

You are in charge of your own healthcare. Equally important is research that reveals that most women are in charge of their family’s health as well. But you’re not alone – you need a physician partner for you and your family, and sometimes, it can be challenging to find the right one.

I always recommend doing your homework and researching the reputation of the physicians, surgeons and nurse practitioners who will …

Read more…

Moral professionalism should include advocacy and duty

Vivian E. von Gruenigen, MD

Policy

August 6, 2012

Across the nation, the medical calendar starts in July, not January. Every July 1, hospitals are infused with new, eager interns who have just graduated from medical school. To get off to a good July start, I give a talk to the obstetrical and gynecology interns and residents about medical professionalism. It is mandated (and rightly so) by the ACGME (Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education) that we teach, mentor …

Read more…

Why are labor and deliveries closing?

Vivian E. von Gruenigen, MD

Policy

February 18, 2012

Labor and deliveries are slowly closing across the United States: California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. In regional areas where there have been no closures, conversations in hospital boardrooms are probably questioning whether they should be. But why? Because of health care reform, increasing medical expenditures, hospitals are making less money due to reduced reimbursement, and because of the financial margin of obstetrics. To explain the complex answer further, we need to …

Read more…