Riverview Health has decided to refocus its attention on women’s health as a primary goal for 2024. “We see a strong need for women serving women. It’s such a personal journey and different from other healthcare service lines,” says Nikki Swiney, Chief Ambulatory Officer.
This recognition for more personalized care has come at a time of great population and employer growth across the Noblesville and Westfield areas. Riverview Health plans to launch new women’s based programs and has recently engaged in large-scale recruiting efforts.
Additionally, Riverview will add three new female doctors by the end of the year. “We’re excited to see the growth in this area and we are committed to serving the needs of women across Hamilton County,” says Swiney.
Dr. Shalin Arnett joined the team in June and Dr. Kristin Hillhouse joined the team in July to help support the new women’s health initiatives. They both bring a strong dedication to women’s health and have several years of experience as an OB/GYN. Dr. Deena Elsahy is completing her fellowship training at IU Health in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and will join the team in November.
Riverview’s renewed goals involve a holistic approach to women’s health. Riverview has been delivering excellent maternity care for many years, and Swiney is excited to announce they are adding more specialty care, including expanding services for pre-menopause and menopause care, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor specialty care. They are also adding to their primary care services to support more annual wellness checks for women. “Our ultimate goal is to provide more access points for women and their loved ones entering their healthcare journey,” says Swiney.
Dr. Hillhouse feels Riverview’s new goals come at a time of critical need for women’s healthcare access. “Having access to excellent care close to home is necessary. With multiple hospitals across the state of Indiana closing their OB units and limiting women’s healthcare, facilities such as Riverview are making sure women are able to maintain vital access to care,” she says.
Sarah Ochs, Director of Imaging Services at Riverview Health, also stresses Riverview is an optimal choice for women due to their reduced wait times for imaging. “Our size gives us more flexibility. We’re able to get patients in the same day instead of weeks. Results are received quickly to give patients peace of mind,” she says.
As a newly appointed member of the medical staff, Dr. Hillhouse chose Riverview largely due to their dedication and focus on providing better healthcare for women. “At Riverview, you will receive excellent OB/GYN care from the moment of your first visit. The outpatient and inpatient services work in concert to provide the level of care every woman expects and deserves,” she says.
Dr. Hillhouse feels that Riverview will partner with her to help to educate women, allowing them to make more informed choices about their healthcare. “I feel like the most important aspect for improving women’s healthcare is education. When patients understand their diagnosis and the reasoning behind treatment options, they are more likely to follow through with treatment plans. Having well-informed patients empowers them to take control of their health and make the best decisions for themselves,” she says.
Additionally, Dr. Hillhouse feels that all women deserve to be treated with empathy and respect. Her own personal experiences have helped to make her a more compassionate physician and she sees those ideals reflected at Riverview Health. “I have had several family members with major medical issues throughout my lifetime. Having to navigate the side of the patient can provide a different perspective in medicine. Due to this, I try to view each patient as a member of my family. If my mother, sister, or friend was going through a medical issue, how would I want her to be treated? This helps keep my focus on providing the best individualized care possible,” she says.
Riverview Health is also making strides when it comes to supporting their physicians and other providers. They are implementing programs to help eliminate undue stress and the impact that it can have on patient care. “Riverview has an excellent hospitalist program that works together with the outpatient providers to guarantee first-class care to OB/GYN patients. This system helps fight against physician burnout currently plaguing the medical community, especially for OB/GYN physicians. When physicians have a better work-life balance, they are better able to continue to provide the excellent care that every patient deserves,” she says.
Mostly, Dr. Hillhouse is grateful to be part of a team that is really trying to elevate options for women. “I love helping women feel empowered with making medical choices for themselves. There are so many unique phases in a woman’s life, and I enjoy helping patients navigate through all of them,” she says.
If you’re looking to learn more about Riverview, October is the ideal time. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Riverview is encouraging women to schedule mammograms and take positive steps in their healthcare journey.
“We’ve been a longstanding community partner, not just in words, but in action. We are absolutely committed to serving this community,” says Swiney.
Riverview Health is located at 395 Westfield Road in Noblesville.
