When patients come to see Dr. Virginia Su at Kaiser Permanente, they know right away that their caregiver is highly skilled. Dr. Su is the first physician in Washington state to be designated as a Master Surgeon by SRC (Surgical Review Corporation). To receive this designation, SRC conducted a rigorous review of Dr. Su’s record of surgeries performed and treatment given and determined that she is committed to delivering the highest level of care and patient safety. Dr. Su is one of over 1,000 caring, expert Kaiser Permanente doctors providing care in more than 60 specialties in Washington state.

Specializing in minimally invasive gynecological surgery, Dr. Su regularly performs hysterectomies, laparoscopy for ovarian cysts, and interventions for abnormal uterine bleeding. As a comprehensive physician in her field, she performs cesarean sections, a competency to which the designation of master surgeon also applies. She also performs robotic surgery, which is a newer procedure that uses highly advanced technology and is usually reserved for very complicated cases. Dr. Su received the focused practice designation in minimally invasive gynecology surgery by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the first time this designation was offered by the board.

Staying healthy with preventive care
Aligned with Kaiser Permanente’s approach to care, Dr. Su is a big believer in preventive care. “Staying on top of your reproductive health is so important,” she says. Along with her fellow clinicians at Kaiser Permanente, she follows the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce and American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This preventive care guidance includes:

• Regular Pap tests
• HPV vaccine
• HPV testing
• Checkups for abnormal uterine bleeding (which could be a sign of cancer)
• Mammogram

Reproductive cancers are common, says Dr. Su, so staying on track with regular checkups is key. “For example, for routine breast cancer screenings, if you’re between 40 and 50, I recommend having a conversation with your doctor about what preventive screenings are best for you,” says Dr. Su. Every person is different, so screening schedules will depend on the patient. Dr. Su encourages patients to work with their doctor and decide together how often they should be screened. “Each person is unique — there isn’t one hard and fast rule for everyone. We have to look at the whole person — their overall health, risk factors, and family history. Then, we can make informed decisions.”

Dr. Su encourages her patients to be the biggest advocates of their health and experts of their own bodies. “I tell my patients that they know the anatomy of their breasts better than anyone. When they have that awareness, it’s easier to spot when something doesn’t feel right.”

What happens if cancer is detected during a gynecological procedure?
Dr. Su is passionate about oncology, having done an extra year of medical training focused on pelvic surgery, which involved many cancer surgeries. “Detecting pre-cancer and cancerous cells during gynecological surgery does happen,” confirms Dr. Su. When these cells are found, Kaiser Permanente’s integrated care model goes into full swing. “I’ll work in tandem with other oncology experts. We work closely as a team to make sure that the patient is getting the care they need.”

At Kaiser Permanente, doctors and care teams are all connected through our state-of-the-art electronic health record system, making it easy for them to consult with one another. Our doctors in Washington can confer with more than 23,000 doctors practicing with Kaiser Permanente nationwide.

This integrated care model is inspiring for Dr. Su. “I enjoy problem-solving,” she says. “Working with other clinicians to help make a positive difference in the lives of my patients is very rewarding.” She also has a deep empathy for her patients. “At some point, every one of us could be a patient. No matter how big or small their concerns, I try to make things better for my patients. It’s a privilege to be a physician, to be able to make change for the better. It’s the most rewarding part of my job.”