Corpus Christi Women’s Clinic is where Dr. Patrizia Gentile emerges as a leading professional in the field of gynecology and obstetrics.
From the Italian countryside to her emergence into the United States, Gentile has traveled beyond borders to find her true calling along the beautiful southern gulf coast where she and a group of nine specialty doctors create a warm and welcoming environment founded upon the ideals of unwavering trust, commitment and expert care.
A Woman to Inspire Women
Originally from Italy, Gentile graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Padua. In the 1970s, she departed for the United States and settled in Baltimore.
“The transition from my home in Italy to the U.S. initially took some time to get used to,” she admits.
During a three-year stint, Gentile left to Germany to serve in the U.S. Air Force. Upon returning to Baltimore, she completed her residency at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins Hospital. After graduation, Gentile departed to a warmer climate to pursue opening her own clinic.
Corpus Christi provided a picturesque backdrop of beautiful ocean waves, sunny skies and friendly people. She moved to the coastal city in 1985.
“At the time there was a huge demand for my services in the area,” she says. “I liked Corpus Christi very much and I’ve been happy with my decision ever since.”
Gentile opened an independent practice where she stayed for eight years. “When you work on your own, you are 100 percent responsible and have little relief,” she admits.
Recognizing it was time to take the next step, she met another group of doctors who inspired her to join their team. In April 1993, Gentile merged her practice with the Corpus Christi Women’s Clinic. “I was the first female to join the group,” she says proudly.
Lean On Me
Corpus Christi Women’s Clinic is comprised of 10 doctors, all highly qualified in gynecology and obstetrics. Gentile is part of a distinguished group including Dr. Thomas Wilder, Dr. Charles Kirkham, Dr. Jaime Pena, Dr. Robert Mastin, Dr. Christine Canterbury, Dr. Maria Perez-Montes, Dr. Theressa J. Nowitzky, Dr. Leighanne Glazener, and Dr. Benjamin Supnet.
The clinic specializes in issues such as infertility, general obstetrics, and high risk obstetrics as well as a wide range of gynecologic surgeries. Their philosophy is focused on complete care for each patient, which includes sonograms, bone density testing, urodynamics, laser hair and vein removal.
Corpus Christi Women’s Clinic is an independent practice located in the Bay Area Hospital Professional Building. Their close proximity to the hospital provides a convenient venue to ensure patients a safe and timely delivery, and allow scheduled surgeries throughout the week. From the vast myriad of treatments and procedures patients undergo, some of the more common procedures include preventive care, contraception and hormone therapies.
As the field of gynecology has vastly changed over the years, doctors are introduced to new methods of treating patients. Gentile’s patients come into the clinic with diverse needs. As she points out, there exists an overwhelming prevalence of obesity in women, young and old.
Many are dealing with issues such as diabetes and hypertension. “I always try to advise my patients with the best way to alleviate issues affecting their body and help them to address those issues in the best possible way,” she says.
For most of her patients, the issues and problems that arise are sometimes unanticipated and it’s important the care they receive is from someone they trust and can depend on for the best possible outcome.
“I help my patients when they are encountering depression and/or stress. I counsel them with issues like weight management, immunizations and other possible health risks that need to be resolved,” she explains. “Patients look to me as someone they can rely on.”
Gentile is proud of the work and mission of the clinic. “We are in a good place at Bay Area Hospital,” she says.
Their great intensive care unit for newborns and the availability of feto-maternal specialists for significantly high-risk pregnancies are two areas she speaks most highly of. New technological advances in obstetrics continue to evolve in how doctors are able to diagnose and treat patients.
“We have much better ways of following patients than we used to,” she notes.
Giving Hope to a Sparkling City
Gentile is one of the founders of The Order of the Sparkling City, a charitable organization to help women and children in need in the Coastal Bend. On Feb. 6, 2010 at the Ortiz Center, Gentile will host the 6th annual gala event. Colors will abound in vibrant hues as lively music and flavorful cuisine will set the tone for a masquerade ball set in the tradition of Mardi Gras.
“With the money raised, we have been able to make donations to the Women’s Shelter of South Texas, CASA, the Ark and other non-profits,” shares Gentile.
Last year, The Order of the Sparkling City donated $8,000 to CASA, an organization whose mission is to speak out for abused and neglected foster children in court.
Her inspiration for the event derives from memories of Italy. “It’s something I missed from my youth that I brought home,” she shares. “I’ve always wanted to see that around me.”
From the Carnevale di Venezia to the Mardi Gras of New Orleans, the order is bringing the spirit of Mardi Gras to the coastal city. “I like that we are helping women and children in need,” she says. “It’s wonderful to bring food, music and fun to the area while making a difference in so many lives.”
The Gentile Touch
Dr. Patrizia Gentile gives back to women and the community by being a beacon of hope, and an inspiration to all those lives she touches. She’s there for young women in their adolescence, when youth and adulthood come to a crossroads and when the cycles of womanhood are no longer at bay.
She’s there when the biological clock begins to tick and another life begins to form. She’s there to hold one’s hand. It is symbolic of her strength, her will, and undeniably represents her most valued treasure in life.
