Female patients at Sanford Luverne Medical Center will soon have more options for women’s health services with Dr. Nicole Woodley, who starts Aug. 28 (see story on Page 3A).
Dr. Woodley, a Luverne native, provides obstetrical and gynecological services and will be the first full-time OB-GYN at the Luverne facility.
“She will complement already established obstetrics services provided in Luverne by our family medical providers,” said Tammy Loosbrock, Senior Director at Sanford Luverne.
According to Woodley, an OB-GYN is a physician who provides medical and surgical care for women in all phases of life.
“It’s so much more than pregnancy and childbirth,” Woodley said. “It includes adolescence, young adulthood, childbearing and menopause.”
Specific areas of service include care for abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility evaluation, cervical dysplasia, minimally invasive surgeries, contraceptive methods, urinary incontinence and sexual health and dysfunction.
“It’s always great when you can get a provider who has a passion to continue to grow what medical services can be done right here in Luverne,” Loosbrock said.
“Many are driving to Sioux Falls for these types of services and having to take extra time off work,” Loosbrock added.
“With her joining us, it should be more convenient for patients.”
Woodley said she looks forward to enhancing the services provided in her hometown. “We try to keep medical services available at home,” she added.
That is always a goal of Sanford Luverne, according to Loosbrock.
“We eagerly welcome Dr. Woodley to practice with our dedicated providers as we strive to keep quality health care close to home in Rock County,” Loosbrock said.
For more information, or to make an appointment with Woodley, contact Sanford Luverne at 507-482-4476 or visit sanfordluverne.org.
Sanford Luverne is welcoming a new, yet familiar physician this month.
Dr. Nicole Woodley, M.D., a Luverne native, will begin practicing at Sanford Luverne Medical Center on Aug. 28.
“I am thrilled to be coming back to my hometown to join a team dedicated to providing primary and specialty care to our community,” said Woodley, daughter of Mark and Karen Willers.
Woodley and her husband Kyle, an engineer for CenterPoint Energy, both graduated from Luverne High School in 2005.
She received her medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed her residency through the U of M’s Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health Residency Program.
According to Sanford Luverne Senior Director Tammy Loosbrock, Woodley will be the first OB-GYN to practice full time in Luverne. (See the related story.)
“Dr. Woodley, with her ties to the Luverne community and her specialty in women’s health, is a wonderful addition to our team of providers,” Loosbrock said.
Woodley already has some experience at Sanford Luverne after completing an internship and working as an emergency medical technician at her hometown hospital.
According to Woodley, her interest in medicine began as a fourth-grader when her own father was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was successfully treated.
“I saw firsthand the trust in the physician and surgeon to help my dad. That was remarkable,” Woodley said.
“I also remember how the community came together to help with harvest and bring meals during that time,” Woodley added.
She said those experiences helped lead her to a career in medicine and a desire to practice in a rural area.
“Kyle and I are really excited to be able to raise our kids in Luverne and give them the kind of life we had growing up,” Woodley stated.
The Woodleys have three children. Hannah is a fourth-grader, Emmett is a kindergartner and Felicity is two years old.
The family is building a home in rural Luverne this fall.
“We’ve been gone for twelve years and now realize all the tremendous opportunities there are in Luverne,” Woodley said.
Woodley said she is especially looking forward to her kids having the opportunity to participate in the Luverne music program, track and other activities she enjoyed while growing up.
“I hope that Luverne and the surrounding communities continue to value health care provided close to home,” Woodley said.
“I look forward to spending more time with my family, renewing friendships and meeting many new people.”