SMH Creates Pregnancy Care Team to Support Prenatal Care Amid Nationwide OB Shortage

The first trimester is a crucial time in a woman’s pregnancy, when obstetricians monitor fetal development, manage potential risks and help ensure a safe, healthy delivery. A shortage of obstetricians, however, is making starting prenatal care early a challenge for women here and across the nation.

To close the gaps in care, Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s newly created Pregnancy Care Team is reaching out to pregnant women and community partners to help them access prenatal and maternity care they need.

And did you know? FPG Obstetrics/Gynecology at the Venice Medical Office Building is accepting new patients.

The office includes Suellen Sa, MD; Anthony Canino, MD; Francisco Battaglia, MD; Angela Marshall, MD; and Shonna Bates, APRN.

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(VIDEO) Meet the Doctor: Michael Slater, DO

Gastroenterologist Michael Slater, DO, sees First Physicians Group patients in Venice. He says he loves helping his patients, and couldn’t imagine any other career for him.

Meet Dr. Slater

Don't Forget Yearly Physicals!

It seems like school starts earlier every year.

And between running around town looking for school supplies and new clothes, re-arranging schedules for after school athletics, play rehearsals and school clubs, and all the other teacher meetings and parent conferences that make up the back-to-school madness, it can be all-too-easy to let the yearly check-up slip out of sight and out of mind.

Here are five important reasons to always remember to schedule a yearly physical for your little one.

Read more about yearly physicals