Cathy Chung Hwa Yi, MD

I believe in a holistic approach to healthcare. My treatment style is based on shared decision making. I help my patients understand the options available to them. Then, I help them decide the next steps that make the most sense based on their values and unique situations. I want my patients to feel supported throughout their journey. Whether that journey is pregnancy, surgery, an acute health issue, chronic illness, or life transition, I’m here for them. I strive for the best clinical and surgical outcome possible, but it is just as important that my patients feel heard and supported. I provide a safe, trusting space for individuals to voice concerns or ask questions they may not feel comfortable asking in any other setting. I chose to pursue a career in medicine after helping my father navigate the healthcare system through a chronic illness. I saw how challenging and frustrating the system can be. It is easy to feel overlooked or insignificant. I try to create a space where patients can feel like a person rather than a number and to be themselves. I can’t promise that I have all the answers or solutions. What I can promise is that I will listen to my patients and that we will work together to get as close as possible to the outcome they are hoping for.

I often see patients who are experiencing health problems that they do not feel comfortable discussing, even with family and close friends. These include pelvic floor problems, such as loss of control of their bladder or bowels (incontinence), pelvic floor dysfunction, and pelvic support problems (prolapse). These conditions are very common, affecting up to 50% of women over 60 years old, as well as many younger women, especially after childbirth. Because many women have difficulty talking about pelvic floor problems, they can feel isolated or become depressed. I strive to listen to my patients and provide a place where they feel comfortable discussing these conditions. My goal is to help them understand their health and improve their quality of life.