For some women the thought of having a male obstetrician or gynecologist is an athema. To those women I have a cure, and the cure is three words, “Dr. Scott Farhart”. Farhart has been in practice with the San Antonio–based group Northeast OB/GYN Associates since 1989, and covers all aspects of women’s health.
Originally from Upstate New York, Farhart made the move to San Antonio during his college years. “It was one of those 'your parents moved and left no forwarding address’ kind of deals,” he jokes. He graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center before moving with his wife, Sandra, to Denver. “Her family is from San Antonio though, and she really wanted to get back. Shoveling snow while clutching a newborn cemented her desire to return. I reminded her I needed a job. She searched the classifieds and before I knew it, she found me a job and we were back in San Antonio.”
Success has followed Farhart at every turn. Not only is he an accomplished practitioner, he is also a talented singer (first tenor) and a national author. In 2003 he wrote “Intimate and Unashamed,” an open, honest look at relationships, sex, and women’s (and men’s) health. In October 2008 he came out with his second book, “The Christian Woman’s Complete Guide to Health”. “In my practice, at conferences and on television shows I was constantly being asked the same questions. I figured the best way to address them was to put it all down on paper.” The result is two finely written books that speak to the medical issues couples face, but written in a heart–warming, informative way.
What sets Farhart apart from other obstetricians and gynecologists? According to Angelica Barr, one of his patients, it is his compassion, and his professionalism. “I had visited another male OB/GYN and while I was lying on the examination table, he reached over and played with my necklace. That totally freaked me out, Dr. Farhart would never dream of doing something like that.” Angelica and her husband, Carlos, who recently welcomed their third child into the world with Farhart’s assistance, also appreciate that they all share the same Christian values.
The Kyles have been longtime patients too. Cori Kyle first visited Dr. Farhart in 2000, and although she and her husband, Shane, have chosen to have no more children, she will continue to see Farhart for her gynecological needs. “I know I’m not the easiest patient as I tend to be anxious. With my last two births I came up with a detailed birth plan because it helped me feel like I was in control. I’m sure in the back of his mind Dr. Farhart thought 'whatever’, but he just let me be. I also had concerns about birth control and he took time to give me in–depth, well–researched and thoughtful answers which helped in making a choice that was right for our family.”
It is that time he spends, the compassion he displays, which keeps patients faithfully returning. Farhart loves the relational aspect of his practice. “When I first decided to go into medicine, I wanted to specialize in anesthesiology. However I soon realized that although I’d be providing an excellent service, that is all it would be, a service. People don’t remember their anesthesiologist, but they remember their surgeon, their GP, their OB.”
With between 10,000 and 15,000 deliveries under his belt the obvious question is, isn’t it hard to keep a sense of freshness and anticipation? Farhart says no because each woman is different and as a result each birth is poles apart. Even a woman who has given birth before may present in a completely different way the next time she becomes pregnant, he explains, which adds to the diversity of his job. Another positive aspect of OB/GYN is the chance to perform surgery, something he enjoys doing.
Not every day is a good day, because tragedy can and does occasionally occur. It is in those rare cases that Farhart’s true compassion for his patients comes into play. “Those times are never easy,” Farhart says, “But I believe my presence there is a calming one.”
Fortunately the happy times far outweigh the tragic. Farhart’s face brightens when asked to recall one of the more memorable births. “About 15 years ago I was on call. I had 15 minutes left before going off duty, when I received a page to come to the ER. 'Man’, I thought, 'I almost got out of here without being called.’ When I arrived, I was confronted by a young teenager ready to deliver. There wasn’t time to get her to the maternity ward. She delivered a healthy boy on the gurney. She hadn’t told anyone she was pregnant.When I talked to her parents, they were adamant they didn’t want a baby. Neither did the father’s parents. It was a huge shock and surprise to everyone. Immediately I thought of a childless couple my wife and I know. They longed and believed God for a child. In fact as a step of faith, the wife had prepared a nursery in anticipation that one day they would conceive or adopt. I called that couple and asked whether they were ready for their son. The next day they came and collected their new baby.’ Farhart pauses for a moment, “Just imagine, if that call had come 15 minutes later I wouldn’t have been on duty and the outcome would be very different.”
It is indeed rare to find a doctor who loves and honors his patients. 'Dr. Scott' Farhart is that rare jewel. A man who has taken his love of God and medicine, integrated his work ethic with his faith and offers the polished result to his patients.
