Dr. Bob Samuelson

Dr. Robert Samuelson will be the newest addition to the Memorial Regional Health Women’s Health team, offering full-scope medical and surgical gynecology care. Starting in May, he will assist patients in Craig one to two weeks per month.

His goal is to help MRH provide a high level of care close to home so women and their families don’t have to travel far for their women’s health appointments.

“I’ve always had an interest in healthcare and surgery,” Dr. Samuelson said. “I enjoy practicing in underserved areas, and I knew Craig offered a lot of healthcare options for locals but not specifically GYN care. I hope to bring my expertise to this area for patients.”

More offerings than before

MRH family practice providers offer general women’s health services, such as annual exams, preventative screenings and further education, but Dr. Samuelson’s specialization will greatly assist women in our community.

“The family medicine providers provide excellent general women’s healthcare, but I hope to bring the surgical piece to the table assisting with operations such as hysterectomies, biopsies and incontinence procedures,” he said.

Other common GYN procedures include laparoscopy, D&C, endometrial ablation, hysteroscopy, tubal ligation and pelvic support surgery.

About Dr. Samuelson

Dr. Samuelson received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and attended medical school at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. He completed his obstetrics-gynecology residency at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Conn., and a pelvic surgery fellowship at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Mass. He has had academic appointments at Yale University, Tufts University and the University of Vermont.

Dr. Samuelson is also a past and present member of many medical professional organizations, such as the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists. He is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Most recently, Dr. Samuelson was the Director of Women’s Services specializing in complex benign and gynecologic oncology at St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, Ariz.

Outside of work, Dr. Samuelson enjoys cycling, skiing, woodworking and is passionate about auto restoration. He is married with three grown children.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to provide care for folks who would otherwise have to travel quite a distance to get it,” Dr. Samuelson concluded. “I want to minimize any disruption in a patient’s life by ensuring they don’t have to go a long way to get their healthcare.”

By the numbers and fast facts

Prioritizing your health and getting an annual well-woman exam allows you to ensure your health isn’t worsening year-over-year and allows your provider to make recommendations where necessary. By staying on top of your health, you can prevent disease and make changes that will lead to a happier, healthier life.

Here are some statistics about women’s health in the U.S., offered by the CDC:

• 4 — percentage of women that are in either fair or poor health
• 8 — percentage of women who have had four or more drinks in 1 day at least once
• 3 — percentage of women who met federal physical activity guidelines
• 12 — percentage of women who currently smoke cigarettes
• 8 — percentage of women who are obese
• 30 — percentage of women who did not visit or consult an obstetrician or gynecologist in 2018
• 42 — percentage of women who reported poor mental health in 2015-2017
• Heart disease, cancer and stroke — leading causes of death in women