Adriatica Women’s Health OB-GYN

The year was 1999. While Harry Potter fans clambered to get their hands on the second book in the series, Tiger Woods claimed his first PGA championship, and the New York Yankees won the World Series. That year, as we scratched our collective heads over the plot of “The Matrix” and worked to get the Backstreet Boys’ earworm “I Want It That Way” out of our heads, a fresh-faced OB-GYN first opened her North Texas practice.

Dr. Tracey Banks named her obstetrics and gynecology practice North Central Women’s Health Partners because that’s what she wanted to be — a partner for women of all ages from all walks of life. Dr. Banks was McKinney’s only female obstetrician and gynecologist until she welcomed her partner Dr. Lori Halderman in 2000 and together, they grew the practice over the next two and half decades to include additional providers and additional locations. In 2010, when they moved to the Adriatica Village, they changed the name to Adriatica Women’s Health OB-GYN. The mission remained the same — to partner with women for optimum health.

Not only have the Adriatica doctors, midwives, and nurse practitioners partnered with thousands of women since then, but they’re now serving the daughters of their first patients and delivering babies whose mothers they once delivered. “Our goal from the beginning has been to collaborate with women, to empower them to make decisions about their healthcare,” Dr. Banks said. “We want our patients to be active participants in their own health journey.” Dr. Halderman shared, “it’s a special privilege to be delivering the baby of a woman I once delivered myself. It’s a deeply special experience that fills me with joy, knowing I’ve cared for her mother and now have the honor of being entrusted with her care during her own pregnancy.”

The Adriatica team now consists of six doctors, four nurse midwives, and four nurse practitioners — all women — working in two offices and all sharing Dr. Banks’ patient-centric philosophy. “I like to say we’re the Nordstrom of OB-GYN,” Dr. Banks said. “Our office looks like a spa. We have cloth gowns and sheets, heated stirrups, and other little touches to help make our
patients comfortable.”

Over the past 25 years, the Adriatica team has not just witnessed a revolution in medical advancement — they’ve led the way. Dr. Christi Kidd, who has been with the practice for 15 years, said, “we are all skilled and experienced in gynecological surgery from minimally invasive to more traditional open procedures. We have extensive experience using robotic surgery allowing us to complete more difficult surgeries with better recovery than ever before.” Drs. Banks, Halderman, and Kidd along with Drs. McCloud, Wajahat, and Ashitey are excited for the next 25 years.

Women Caring for Women

The providers at Adriatica Women’s Health OB-GYN understand what’s important to you because the same things are important to them. They operate under the principle that every woman deserves a healthcare provider who’ll take the time to really listen to her; who sees her as an individual with opinions and preferences; who’ll educate her about her healthcare choices, then partner with her to make the decision that’s best for her and the ones she loves.

To make seeing your OB-GYN a little easier, they provide early morning and lunchtime appointments as well as telemedicine. Whether they’re consulting with a teen experiencing her first period, an expectant or new mom, or a post-menopausal woman, they take the time to educate and empower their patients to be their best selves during every stage of life.

Adriatica Women’s Health OB-GYN offers the latest technology and know-how, including in-office Mona Lisa Touch laser treatment for the pain and discomfort of vaginal dryness. With the goal of providing all the services their patients need under one roof, they also offer in-house 3-D mammography, diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence, and science-based nutritional supplements to keep you at your nutritional best.

Midwifery

Adriatica Women’s Health patients have access to a team of experienced midwives with decades of combined experience caring for hundreds of unique women. Adriatica midwives practice evidence-based care while respecting and honoring each patient’s wishes. They have expertise in normal fertility, pregnancy, and birth, gynecological, and contraception services for all ages, from teens to post-menopause.

“Midwifery care is uniquely nurturing, allowing focus on both the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the birthing parent throughout the childbearing cycle,” Dr. Banks said. “All births are done in a hospital environment allowing women multiple options for pain control. We have a focus on natural childbirth but provide options of nitrous oxide, IV medications, and care for women who desire epidurals. We help ensure an empowering, personalized, and safe birth by partnering with women through their journey into motherhood,” Liz Marley, CNM said. “While our midwives mainly care for low-risk pregnancies, they also work closely with our physician team to be able to offer midwifery care to patients with certain high-risk conditions, VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean delivery), and even cesarean sections.”

Education for Patients

To further serve their patients, the Adriatica team has established a YouTube channel where they provide educational videos on many topics important to women. They also maintain a vibrant presence on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok where they further engage with their patients.

Serving Their Community

Adriatica Women’s Health OB-GYN providers live in the communities they serve and are always looking for ways to pay it forward, including donating to the McKinney Education Foundation for every baby they deliver and offering annual scholarships to high school students they’ve delivered. The providers serve on many local boards and in leadership positions at area hospitals. Adriatica Women’s Health OB-GYN is a fun, friendly, family-oriented place to work. They even play kickball together outside of work. “Our team is called the Ova Achievers; we go with the flow,” Dr. Banks laughed.

Find out more about this dynamic OB-GYN practice where they partner with women for optimum health … through every stage of life. Visit AdriaticaWomensHealth.com.