Face of a Female Doctor

DR. MARY ELLEN WECHTER

Dr. Mary Ellen Wechter is a gynecologist and minimally-invasive gynecologic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and medical/surgical treatment of benign gynecologic problems. Dr. Wechter is fellowship-trained with extensive experience in the use of minimally invasive techniques (robotics, laparoscopy, mini-laparotomy, and hysteroscopic surgery) to treat benign (not cancer) gynecologic diseases. She is an expert in the management of complex gynecologic problems, not limited to fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, abnormal pap smears, vaginitis, ovarian and Fallopian tube problems, vulvar diseases, sexual dysfunction, painful intercourse, breast problems, menopausal symptoms, and the gynecologic sequelae of breast cancer and cancer treatment. She and her partner run the Fibroid Care Clinic to provide tailored treatment plans that liberate women from the symptoms and fertility barriers associated with fibroids.

Dr. Wechter is a native of Michigan but also spent her childhood in Appalachia (Kentucky) and in Springfield, IL. She has 3 young children and enjoys running, reading, travel, languages, skiing, paddle-boarding, and ballroom dance. She speaks conversational Spanish and is learning German. She received her medical training from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN (medical school), the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (residency), and the University of North Carolina (gynecologic surgery fellowship). She also has a master’s degree in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health. Her mission in life and in medicine is to relieve suffering, particularly for women, because life as a woman is too challenging to tolerate unnecessary gynecologic burdens (like bleeding and pain).

EDUCATION & TRAINING

• 07/2004 – 07/2006 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Master of Public Health, Epidemiology

• Boards Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2006
Fellow of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist

• 07/2004 – 07/2006 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Triangle Clinical Research Fellow, NICHD T32 training grant

• 07/2004 – 07/2006 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Fellow, Division of Advanced Laparoscopy and Pelvic Pain
Clinical Instructor, Obstetrics and Gynecology

• 06/2000 – 06/2004 University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Resident, Obstetrics and Gynecology

• 08/1996 – 05/2000 Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN
Doctor of Medicine

• 09/1992-05/1996 University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Bachelor of Science, Biology

HONORS/AWARDS

• 2006 – Golden Tar Heel Award, Medical Student Teaching Award
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

• 2006 – Fellow’s Excellence in Teaching Award, awarded by house officers
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• 2004 – Resident Award for Special Excellence in Endoscopic Procedures
American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists

•2003 – Alpha Omega Alpha
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor School of Medicine

• 2001, 2003 – Bronze Beeper Award, Medical Student Teaching Award
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor School of Medicine

• 2003 – Outstanding Resident Teacher Award
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor School of Medicine

• 1996-2000 – Dean’s Award full tuition scholarship
Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN

• 1996 – Graduated with Highest Distinction
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

• 1996 – Golden Key Honors Society Prize for Senior Student
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

• 1995 – Phi Beta Kappa
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

• 1993-1996 – Angell Scholar, awarded for academic merit
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor

HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville/Beaches

LANGUAGES

English, Spanish (conversational)

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Fellow

  • Florida Obstetric and Gynecologic Society

  • Norman F. Miller Gynecologic Society

Journal Articles in Peer Reviewed Journals

  • Kho RM and Wechter ME, Operative Outcomes of Opportunistic Bilateral Salpingectomy at the Time of Benign Hysterectomy in Low-Risk Premenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2017;24(2):218–229.
  • Wechter ME, Mohd J, Magrina JF, Cornella JL, Magtibay PM, Wilson JR, Kho RM. Complications in Robotic-Assisted Gynecologic Surgery According to Case Type: A 6-Year Retrospective Cohort Study Using Clavien-Dindo Classification. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2014;21:844-850.
  • Wechter ME, Kho RM, Chen AM, Magrina JF, Pettit PD, Preventing slide in Trendelenburg position: randomized trial comparing foam and gel pads. Journal of Robotic Surgery 2013;7(3):267-271.
  • Martin CE, Johnson E, Wechter ME, Leserman J, Zolnoun DA. Catastrophizing: a predictor of persistent pain among women with endometriosis at 1 year. Human Reproduction 2011; 26:3078-84.
  • Wechter ME, Stewart EA, Myers ER, Kho RM, Wu JM. Leiomyoma-related hospitalizations and surgeries: prevalence and predicted growth based on population trends. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2011; 205:492.e1-5.
  • Klauschie J, Wechter ME, Jacob K, Zanagnolo V, Montero R, Magrina J, Kho R. Use of anti-skid material and patient positioning technique in preventing patient shifting during robotic procedures in gynecology. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology 2010; 17:504-7.
  • Kho R, Akl M, Cornella J, Magtibay J, Wechter ME, Magrina J. Incidence and Characteristics of Patients with Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence after Robotic Procedures. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2009; 114:231-5.
  • Wechter ME, Wu JM, Marzano D, Haefner H. Management of Bartholin’s duct cysts and abscesses: A systematic review. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 2009; 64:395-404.
  • Wu JM, Wechter ME, Geller EJ, Nguye TV, Visco AG. Hysterectomy Rates in the United States, 2003. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2007; 110:1091-5.
  • Hartmann KE, Wechter ME, Payne P, Salisbury K, Jackson RD, Melvin CL. Best Practice Smoking Cessation Intervention and Resource Needs of Prenatal Care Providers. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2007; 110:765-70.
  • Visco AG, Viswanathan M, Lohr KN, Wechter ME, Gartlehner G, Wu JM, Palmieri R, Jonsson Funk M, Lux L, Swinson T, Hartmann K. Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2006; 108:1517-29.
  • Viswanathan M, Visco AG, Hartmann K, Wechter ME, Gartlehner G, Wu JM, Palmieri R, Funk MJ, Lux L, Swinson T, Lohr KN. Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request. Evid Rep Technol Assess. 2006; 133:1-138.
  • Lamvu G, Williams, R, Zolnoun D, Wechter ME, Shortliffe A, Fulton G, Steege JF. Long-term outcomes after surgical and nonsurgical management of chronic pelvic pain: One year after evaluation in a pelvic pain specialty clinic. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2006; 195:591-00.
  • As-Sanie S, Zolnoun D, Wechter ME, Lamvu G, Tu F, Steege J. Teaching residents coding and documentation: long-term effectiveness of a problem-oriented approach. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2005; 193(5):1790-3.
  • Wechter ME, Pearlman MD, Hartmann KE. Reclosure of the Disrupted Laparotomy Wound: A Systematic Review. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2005; 106(2):376-383. (Selected for inclusion in the ABOG annual board recertification program, 2006.)
  • Wechter ME, Gruber SB, Haefner HK, et al. Vulvar Melanoma: a Report of 20 Cases and Review of the Literature. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2004; 20(50):554-562.
  • Wechter ME, Reynolds RK, Haefner HK, et al. Vulvar Melanoma: Review of Diagnosis, Staging, and Therapy. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Diseases 2004; 8(1):58-69.

Journal Articles in Non Peer Reviewed Journals

  • Viswanathan M, Visco AG, Hartmann K, Wechter ME, Gartlehner G, Wu JM, Palmieri R, Jonsoon Funk M, Lux L, Swinson T, Lohr KN. Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Evidence Report/Technology Assessment, Publication No. 06-E009, March 2006.
  • Wechter ME, Floyd-Bradstock TL, and Advincula AP. Practical Pearls for Laparoscopic Salpingo-oophorectomy. The Female Patient 2004; 29(1):27-35.
  • Advincula AP, Binno S, Song AH, and Wechter ME. Prevention of Perioperative Neuropathies. The Female Patient 2003; 28(10):23-35.

Videos

  • Grewal MS, Wechter ME, Grewal SS, Krishna M, Metzger PP, Landmann RG. Laparoscopic resection of symptomatic synchronous giant terminal ileum and cecal endometriomas. Accepted as a video presentation at the American College Of Surgeons Clinical Congress. Chicago, October 2009.

Book Chapters

  • Wechter ME. Polycystic ovary syndrome chapter in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: Handbook for Clinicians. 2ed. Lebovic DI, Gordon JD and Taylor RN, eds., 2014.

PRESENTATIONS AND COURSES

Oral Presentations

  • Wechter ME “Tips and Tricks for Managing Fibroids During Hysterectomy and Myomectomy”, 46th Annual Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Surgical Tutorial CME course, Washington, DC, November 12-16, 2017.
  • Wechter ME Discussant for video titled: “TLH for pelvic pain, endometriosis and complex adnexal mass with incidental appendectomy”, 44th Annual Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Las Vegas, Nevada. November 15-19, 2015.
  • Wechter ME “Preventing Complications in Laparoscopic and Robotic Hysterectomy”, 43rd Annual Global Congress on Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy lecture and cadaver dissection course, Vancouver, BC. November 17-21, 2014.
  • Wechter ME “Preventing Slide in Trendelenburg Position: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Egg-Crate Foam Versus Gel Pad”, ACOG District IV Annual Meeting, Naples, FL. October 21, 2011.
  • Wechter ME “Update Uterine Fibroids” and “Gynecologic Infections”, Mayo Clinic Florida Updates in Primary Care Conference, Amelia Island, FL. June 9, 2011.
  • Wechter ME “Current leiomyoma-associated hospitalizations and inpatient surgeries with predictions for the future”, 37th Annual SGS Scientific Meeting, San Antonio, TX. April 11, 2011.
  • Wechter ME “Abnormal Uterine Bleeding” Mayo Clinic Florida Updates in Primary Care Conference, Amelia Island, FL. June 10, 2010
  • Wechter ME “Uterine Fibroids” and “Endometriosis”, Mayo Clinic Florida Updates in Primary Care Conference, Amelia Island, FL. June 9, 2009.
  • Wechter ME “Infections in Gynecology” Department monthly educational meeting, Mayo Clinic Florida, Department of Infectious Disease. January 21, 2009.
  • Wechter ME. “Progress in the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Fibroids” Grand rounds, University of South Florida. May 23, 2007.
  • Wechter ME. “Vulvar Vibration Therapy (VVT) for Vulvodynia and Dyspareunia” 18th World Congress of WAS, the 1st World Congress of Sexual Health, Sydney, Australia, April 18, 2007
  • Wechter ME. “Endometriosis: Evidence-Based Management” Grand rounds presentation. Wake Forest University at Winston Salem, NC, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, January 8, 2007.
  • Wechter ME. “Progress in the Minimally Invasive Treatment of Fibroids: Robotic Myomectomy, Embolization, and the Fibroid Care Clinic” Lecture at CME conference: Advances in Gynecology and Pelvic Pain. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. November 3, 2006.
  • Wechter ME. “Treatment of Endometriosis: Familiar Favorites and New Options.” Lecture at CME conference: Advances in Gynecology and Pelvic Pain. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. November 5, 2005.
  • Wechter ME. “Puerperal Wound Infections.” Grand rounds presentation. University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. March 18, 2004.

Poster Presentations

  • Wechter ME, Mohd J, Magrina JF, Cornella JL, Magtibay PM, Wilson JR, Kho RM. Complications in robotic gynecology according to case complexity. Six-year retrospective cohort using Clavien-Dindo classification. 39th Annual SGS Scientific Meeting, Charleston, SC USA April 8-10, 2013.
  • Wechter ME, Stewart EA, Myers ER, Kho RM, and Wu, JM. “Current leiomyoma-associated hospitalizations and inpatient surgeries with predictions for the future” 37th Annual SGS Scientific Meeting, San Antonio, TX USA, April 10-12, 2011.
  • Zolnoun D, As-Sanie S, Wechter ME, Lamvu G, Perinetti C, Maloney N, Girdler S. Sensory and Affective Responses to Experimental Pain in Women with Vulvar Vestibulitis. Women’s Health Research Day, Chapel Hill, NC, March 23, 2005; Vulvodynia and Sexual Disorders in Women Conference, Atlanta, GA, October 28, 2004.
  • Wechter ME, Opipari AW, Lieberman R. Gynecologic Complications of Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation. ACOG Annual Junior Fellow Research Day, Lansing, MI, May 26, 2004.

Community Presentations

  • Wechter ME. Girls’ Day Out, August 26, 2017. Speaker for panel on women’s health.

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