Friendly Service, Timely Care

More than 65 million Americans have an incurable sexually transmitted disease (STD). An additional 15 million are infected annually, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance data. In Alabama, as in other southern states, rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and primary and secondary syphilis are consistently higher than the rest of the nation.

UAB's Personal Health Clinic (PHC) addresses this substantial health care burden — often called a "hidden epidemic" because so many afflicted individuals remain asymptomatic and undiagnosed — and fills an important local and regional health care niche, clinic Medical Director Jane Schwebke, MD, professor of medicine, says .

In May, Dr. Schwebke received an honorary doctorate degree from her alma mater, Elmhurst College in Illinois, in appreciation of her innovative work in health care/public health and in treatment of STDs. 

"Individuals reluctant to discuss personal health care issues with their family physician are often equally uncomfortable seeking care at public health facilities," she continues. "But failing to diagnose and treat STDs perpetuates a cycle of reinfection, resulting in significant morbidity. Our clinicians, nationally and internationally recognized for their STD expertise, emphasize sensitivity and confidentiality." The clinic and its small friendly staff, an excellent alternative for individuals concerned with privacy, are currently seeing 100 patients a month.

The PHC has also turned out to be an extremely active research site for patients who come for an array of studies targeting everything from recurrent bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections to genital herpes. In addition, the clinic provides discreet diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections and also offers patients contraceptive counseling, as well as rapid HIV testing using blood or saliva assays. Treatment for resistant trichomoniasis also is available.

Housed in the Community Care Building (908 20th Street S), PHC clinicians also are skilled at guiding individuals through one of the most difficult and often overlooked aspects of STD management — informing and treating sexual partners. Dr. Schwebke adds, "Patients who are uncomfortable discussing their diagnosis can bring their partner into the clinic and have a conversation with their physician in a private setting. Clinic patients value the continuity of this personalized, compassionate care."

The clinic is staffed by Dr. Schwebke, Edward Hook III, MD, professor of medicine, Laura Bachmann, MD, assistant professor of medicine, William Geisler, MD, assistant professor of medicine, and Molly Venglarik, MSN, CRNP, reproductive nurse practitioner. Joy Lewis is the receptionist. No referral is required, and most insurance is accepted. For more information, call 996-2780.