Meet the Staff
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At Vital Health Institute the physician is an important component of your health care, but not the only aspect. We are very fortunate to have a highly credentialed, sympathetic, dedicated and professional staff focused on meeting your health care needs.
Andrew S. Cook, MD
Dr. Andrew S. Cook, MD FACOG is considered one of the best gynecologic and endometriosis surgeons in the country. He is an expert in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) treatment of even the most difficult cases of endometriosis and pelvic pain-related conditions. A gynecologic surgeon and reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. Cook has committed his life's work to the comprehensive treatment of women with endometriosis and pelvic pain. Patients appreciate Dr. Cook's ability to innovatively think outside of the box with an open mind, searching different areas of medicine and philosophies of medicine to "connect the dots" in a way that helps patients achieve and optimize their health. He is known for his caring, gentle bedside manner as well as his advanced surgical skills. Patients also appreciate his humor and ability to explain medical issues in easy-to-understand terms. He is certified in Advanced Operative Laparoscopy by the Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy (1996) and was recognized by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists as a resident physician for "Special Excellence in Endoscopic Procedures" in 1989. Dr. Cook graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Northern Colorado in 1981, attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas (1985) and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita (1989). He finished his Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland (1991). Dr. Cook returned to his native California and entered private practice with Fertility Physicians of Northern California and the Fertility and Reproductive Health Institute of Northern California (FRHI). He initiated and was Director of the Donor Egg Program at FRHI. In 1994, Dr. Cook moved to New Orleans to join forces with one of his professors from his residency to specialize in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis and advanced surgery. During this time, Dr. Cook was Director of the Omega Ambulatory Surgery Center and Co-Director of Omega's Center for Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain. In September 2000, Dr. Cook returned to California to continue his pursuit and vision of quality, cost-effective health care for women. Recognized as the best in the country when he received the American Fertility Society's Associate Members Prize Paper in 1989, Dr. Cook created www.pelvicpain.com and www.drcook.com in 1996 to serve as a leading source of information and emotional support for woman suffering from pelvic pain diseases. In 2002, he founded Vital Health Institute, which provides a multitude of treatment options ranging from a natural and holistic approach to complete, and comprehensive surgical treatment for the most difficult cases of pelvic pain and endometriosis diseases and conditions. Patients come to Vital Health Institute from around the world for solutions to their sometimes confusing and complex pelvic pain issues. Dr. Cook is focused on really understanding the causes of pelvic pain, its symptoms and how to treat diseases such as endometriosis completely to remove the pain for good. In fact, many patients come to Vital Health Institute convinced that there is nothing that can be done about their pain, and they are doomed to live a life of suffering, but often find relief from their pain. Dr. Cook and Vital Health Institute have become experts in many areas of women's health care with a wide philosophical approach, in order to successfully treat difficult endometriosis and pelvic pain patients. As a result, Dr. Cook and Vital Health Institute provide the best, most comprehensive care for a wide range of women's health care issues. While Dr. Cook and Vital Health Institute are internationally known for treating the most complex cases of endometriosis and pelvic pain, Vital Health Institute is not just an endometriosis treatment center; it is a comprehensive women's health care center. At Vital Health Institute, the doctor and his staff listen to patients, treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve, and correct their medical problems in the process.
Linda has been dedicated to women's health for over 25 years, working with Dr. Cook since 2000. In addition to providing patient care, Linda is a researcher and an educator for professionals and patients alike. She has served as a Preceptor, teaching graduate-level nurse practitioners and Fellowship-track MDs at the University of San Francisco and UC San Francisco. Linda's experience also includes clinical trial research and medical research at Stanford. At Vital Health Institute, Linda is responsible for developing nurse practitioner protocols, standards of care and quality assurance programs, in addition to patient care and education. Linda was married in 2004 and now uses her married name. Many of our patients know Linda by her former name, Linda Howard-Smith. "I always knew I wanted to become a nurse. I excelled in the health sciences, and chose to expand my role as a Nurse Practitioner after working as a staff nurse with the resident physicians at Stanford. As a practitioner I am an educator, counselor and patient advocate, something that comes naturally to me. As a nurse practitioner, I am capable of diagnosing and treating specific conditions, but much of my training and expertise is beyond the medical paradigm of disease management. Preventative services and a more holistic view of my patients allow me the opportunity to determine the underlying cause of a condition. "Combined with my passion for learning I stay current on the latest medical research and strive to pioneer new ways of looking at problems that go beyond the standards of care in medicine. This is something I value, and is one of the primary reasons I have enjoyed practicing with Dr. Cook. "Listening to my patients and learning from their stories is a privilege and something I take seriously. As a team we make it a priority to give our patients the level of attention they need to help deal with their complicated health issues, such as chronic pelvic pain. "I am here to partner with my patients with respect, compassion and validation, something all women deserve."
Lene is a graduate of The Institute of Holistic Nutrition, North York, Canada. She is a professional member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals and certified in First Line Therapy. Lene's 25-year career in health care began as a board certified Respiration Therapy Technician, where she experienced first-hand the devastating effects of poor nutrition and lifestyle on her patients' health. It was from these experiences that she developed a passion for understanding the impact of nutrition on human health, and helping her clients to prevent the negative effects of poor nutrition. Lene brings a passionate and realistic approach to her counseling. Through personalized nutritional counseling and guidance, she works closely with her clients to achieve their health goals. Her perspective is one that recognizes that every person is biochemically unique, and therefore must be individually assessed for nutritional imbalances. As a mother of two teenaged children, she also understands the importance of clients being able to realistically integrate her recommendations into their busy lives.
Michelle, who joined Vital Health Institute in August of 2002, is the first point of contact for every patient looking for answers to her health care concerns. She is caring and compassionate as well as highly skilled, resourceful, and knowledgeable concerning every aspect of Vital Health Institute's programs. Michelle works with patients individually to map out and explain every facet of the patient experience. She ensures no details are overlooked and no patient's question is left unanswered. She patiently counsels women about their medical and financial concerns, ensuring they are comfortable and prepared to make educated decisions regarding their health care needs. Her years of experience advising patients are invaluable to women seeking to resolve their health issues and improve the quality of their lives. Prior to joining Vital Health Institute, Michelle was employed by Zhone Technologies (and Premisys Communications, prior to its acquisition by Zhone) for eight years in Project Management and Executive Administration capacities. Michelle graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish in 1992. She is a native Californian and has been living in the Bay Area for the last sixteen years. "I love talking with women from all over the world; I share with them how our office can make a difference."
Jennifer has worked with Dr. Cook and the Vital Health Institute team since 2002. She grew up in the South Bay Area, and has the desire to further her education in the health care industry. Jennifer is currently attending De Anza College and will be transferring to a state college to achieve her goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She would love to have her own pediatric family practice one day incorporating the compassion, patient care, and values of Vital Health Institute.
Jessica joined Vital Health Institute in December 2006. She looks forward to meeting new patients every day and assisting them in making healthy and informed decisions about scheduling their course of treatment. She also guides patients and their families on their path to surgery by providing them with essential information and helping with any scheduling issues that may occur. Jessica is working on obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in both Communications and Business. She received her Associate Degree in June 2008.
Jeannette joined Vital Health Institute in 2007 as the front office coordinator. She is usually the first person you talk to when you call or visit the office. She is instrumental in making sure your appointment, billing and medical records are well managed. |
