Comprehensive care that spans generations
Wendy Martinez, MD, FACOG, NCMP
“Women can’t make decisions without information. Unfortunately, that lack of information is costing women their lives.”
Wendy Martinez, MD, has known many of her patients since before they were born.
“I’ve delivered babies, seen them grow up and am now delivering their babies,” says Martinez, founder of The Women’s Group for OB/GYN, the first all-female obstetrical and gynecology practice in South Jersey. “I’m with them every step of the way, from birth through post menopause and everything in between.” This continuity of care has created a unique bond of trust and familiarity, making her not just a doctor but a vital part of her patients’ lives.
Dr. Martinez prides herself on conducting thorough exams that go beyond standard practice, checking everything from the thyroid to the rectum to catch potential health issues early. This includes checking for masses in the breast, liver, spleen and abdomen as well as conducting thorough pelvic exams.
“So many doctors assume patients will get checked for these issues by specialists or by their family physician, but the reality is that for many women, their OB/GYN is their primary healthcare resource,” says Dr. Martinez. “I’ve been able to detect conditions that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, such as thyroid nodules and abdominal masses. That approach has saved lives.”
Beyond medical care, Dr. Martinez has a passion for educating her patients so they are well-informed about their health and the choices available to them.
Dr. Martinez has carved out special time in her practice to address the unique needs of patients going through menopause. She conducts in-depth consultations separate from the typical annual exam to discuss various aspects of this stage in a woman’s life, including hormone levels, lifestyle changes, symptoms and overall health.
This commitment to education extends beyond her office as she frequently lectures in high schools, is involved in Camden’s community health initiatives, appears on television and writes articles on pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, menopause and general health. She has been awarded Congressional, Senatorial and County accommodations for her work mentoring women in Camden County.
“Women can’t make decisions without information,” says Dr. Martinez. “Unfortunately, that lack of information is costing women their lives.”
Dr. Martinez’s career is also marked by her dedication to providing care for all ages and stages of life, especially to older women, a demographic she feels is underserved. Her current educational efforts surround the recommendation that women over 65 no longer need regular Pap smears, arguing that this guideline overlooks the risks of late-stage cervical cancer.
“From 1975 to 2010, the rates of cervical cancer cut in half,” says Dr. Martinez. “Why did they drop? One reason is that women were getting their pap smears yearly. Now recommendations have changed, and we are starting to see the rates rise. We are actually seeing an increase in late-stage cancer diagnosis in women over 70.”
“I’m not here to overlook any risk just for the sake of cutting corners,” she says. “I’m not just treating these patients – I’m looking out for them.”
SERVICES
• Menopause Specialist
• Routine Gynecology
• High-risk Obstetrics
• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
• Infertility
• Urogynecology
• Breast Exams
• Cancer and Fibroid surgery
• Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery
• Outpatient Hysteroscopic Removal of Polyps and Fibroids
• Endometrial Ablations
