At Hackensack Meridian Health, a comprehensive approach to wellness is changing women’s healthcare for good

BY ERIK SCHONING · PHOTOS BY AMESSE PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s undeniable: women’s healthcare is in need of a serious overhaul. For too many women, fragmented, symptom-based care and invasive treatments have long been the order of the day. But at Hackensack Meridian Health, in three key care areas—pelvic health, fibroid and endometriosis treatment, and midlife and longevity care—providers are changing that narrative, one patient at a time.

Don’t Suffer in Silence: A New Era in Women’s Pelvic Health
One of the fronts in the women’s health revolution is urogynecology, a subspecialty that treats common issues like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Urinary incontinence affects millions of women, yet is a condition often borne in silence. Slowly, that culture is shifting, thanks to advances in minimally-invasive treatments and the foregrounding of compassionate care. Providers like urogynecologist Alicia Palmieri, D.O., are changing the way patients navigate their care from the get-go.

“Patients are often nervous about their visit,” said Dr. Palmieri, who practices at both Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Ocean University Medical Center. “We try to make the process as seamless as possible. We give patients a lot of autonomy to determine the best treatment option for them.”

Streamlined care means that women struggling with urge urinary incontinence (UUI) can get the results they need without complicated procedures or lengthy recoveries. Revolutionary treatments like Altaviva™, an implantable ankle device that regulates the bladder, seamlessly integrate into a patient’s life, giving her back control and confidence. Effective, convenient and empowering treatments like Altaviva help shift the conversation around women’s health, normalizing discussion of symptoms and the idea that what many assume are unavoidable side effects of aging are often anything but.

“A lot of times, women think these problems are only affecting them, or this is just what happens when you age,” Dr. Palmieri said. “Now, women are learning that they don’t have to suffer in silence, that there are treatment options.”

Beyond Hysterectomy: Minimally Invasive Solutions for Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. While many women with fibroids have no symptoms, others experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure. For decades, the primary treatment for these symptomatic fibroids was a hysterectomy; today, a range of advanced, minimally invasive options are changing the way that women navigate their care.

For surgeons like Dusan Perisic, M.D., Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at JFK University Medical Center and HMH Central Region, advances in robotic technology have enabled more precise procedures that preserve the uterus.
“In my practice, the majority of fibroids can now be handled via minimally invasive procedures,” Dr. Perisic said. “With this technology, and of course the skill and the expertise of a surgeon, [fibroid removal] can be done through small incisions, even for very large fibroids, with shorter convalescence and fast recovery.”

Today, uterine conditions like fibroids or endometriosis are no longer forcing women to choose between fertility and their own wellbeing. Hackensack Meridian Health is a leader in incisionless fibroid treatment, including Sonata® and Acessa®, which employ ultrasound probes and radiofrequency energy to shrink fibroids.

Midlife & Longevity Care: A New Standard
Every aspect of a woman’s health is connected, a fact that only emerges with more clarity as she ages. The years after 40 bring a host of new health considerations, yet 70% of women experiencing menopause symptoms are not receiving related care. The providers at Hackensack Meridian Health are making this a public health priority with a holistic, comprehensive approach designed to treat the whole woman, at every stage.

“Menopause and midlife care in the U.S. is very fragmented,” said Kanchi Chadha, M.D., OB/GYN and Director of the Midlife Women’s Health and Longevity Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. “A woman going through this transition might see her gynecologist for hormonal symptoms, her primary care doctor for general health, her cardiologist for changes in her heart health, and maybe other specialists for bone density and metabolic issues. However, none of these physicians are necessarily looking at her as a whole person.”

HMH is flipping this paradigm on its head with its Midlife and Longevity Program, a care model that puts the coordination burden not on patients but on healthcare providers. A multidisciplinary team ensures collaborative care in everything from hormonal and sexual health to preventative screenings, cardiovascular health, bone and metabolic health, mental health and nutrition. This proactive and personalized approach is designed to extend a woman’s healthspan—the years of healthy, vibrant living.

“Midlife women’s health has finally gained long overdue visibility,” Dr. Chadha said. “At HMH, we’re building on that momentum to ensure women receive the support they need during this important stage of life.”

The Future of Women’s Health is Here
Contemporary healthcare needs to address every stage of a woman’s journey. At Hackensack Meridian Health, providers are committed to moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Because care looks different for everyone, a recent partnership with Midi Health™ expands telehealth options—delivering accessible, specialized services that meet women exactly where they are.

“The future of women’s health at Hackensack Meridian Health is one of empowerment, innovation, and coordinated care,” Lisa Antonacci, VP of Women’s Health Service Line for the HMH network, said. “By leaving behind a reactive and fragmented system, HMH is embracing a future where women are active partners in their health, supported by the latest technology and a healthcare system that is committed to their well-being at every stage of life.”

In every care area, and with comprehensive overhauls to the system as a whole, Hackensack Meridian Health is taking every step to make sure that, for women, the future of healthcare is now.

Hackensack Meridian Health — hackensackmeridianhealth.org/womenshealth