A specialist in pediatric and adolescent gynecology, Alla Vash-Margita, MD, describes herself as being “passionate about the well-being and safety of teenage girls.”
Dr. Vash-Margita, who is one of the only physicians in the area with advanced training in providing gynecologic care to these age groups, prides herself on being able to make a difference in the lives of young women.
“I provide education on sexual health, safety and healthy choices,” Dr. Vash-Margita says. “I explain the nature of any diagnosis in simple language with plentiful opportunities to ask questions. I use anatomical pictures and drawings to help young patients and their parents understand normal anatomy and its variants as well as diagnosis.”
Dr. Vash-Margita’s clinical focuses are: congenital anomalies of the female reproductive tract, contraceptive needs of adolescents, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, vulvar and vaginal discharge in prepubertal girls, pelvic pain in adolescent females, polycystic ovary syndrome, and irregular menses in teenagers.
When it comes to treating congenital anomalies, Dr. Vash-Margita ensures that she gives each patient—and her parents—the opportunity to absorb the diagnosis. “I invite the patient and caregivers to come back, scheduling ample time for the visit. Since my patient might be as young as 7 or 12, we sometimes wait until she is ready for the discussion,” she says. “I encourage family to have all discussions with their daughter in the room, otherwise, it creates stigma of secrecy or shame. I often will say, ‘We are here to help. We do not have any secrets.’”
Dr. Vash-Margita is an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine and is active in many national and local organizations dedicated to pediatric and adolescent gynecology.
