Dr. Punch & Dr. Admon
Women are the heart of the family. They carry the pressures of home, kids, work and all of life’s challenges, while taking care of those around them. Many of us ignore our own needs while putting others first; however, a woman’s health is the thing they need to care for the most. After all, you have nothing without your health. Fortunately, Hamilton Community Health Network (HCHN) – particularly the new Gynecology Department – is here in our community, helping women take care of their own health, while taking care of the entire family. “We all know it’s hard for women, moms and working moms to take time to care for themselves, as we’re always at the bottom of the list,” says Margaret Punch, MD, physician at the new HCHN Gynecology (GYN) Clinic.
Access to care, convenience and community needs are a few of the reasons HCHN is working with Michigan Medicine to provide this important care for women. Dr. Punch and Dr. Lindsay Admon visit Hamilton on a monthly basis to provide treatment for women who need to be seen for various reasons, ranging from abnormal pap smears to irregular bleeding and chronic pain.
The clinic opened in the fall of 2018. Before this, HCHN primary providers were referring hundreds of women to gynecology physicians outside of the Clinic. Now, the “one stop shop” is fulfilling the need for extended women’s health services.
“Our hope is for women to have access to services that they might otherwise have to drive to Ann Arbor or Detroit to get,” explains Dr. Punch. “It’s right here in Flint where they live.”
At Hamilton, Dr. Punch and Dr. Admon focus on benign gynecology services. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, HCHN’s practice of never turning anyone away, whether they have health insurance or not, also covers gynecology care. The sliding fee scale can also be used based on income if the patient does not have, or does not want to use health insurance.
“Our hope is for women to have access to services that they might otherwise have to drive to Ann Arbor or Detroit to get.”
Dr. Margaret Punch
Female patients will see their Hamilton primary care provider for regular wellness checks and pap tests. If their provider notices abnormal results, they may refer them to visit with Drs. Punch or Admon at HCHN. The Clinic also services women who are seeking advice on contraceptives or who have abdominal pain, which may be related to uterine issues.
The doctors both explained, the best thing a woman can do for herself is take care of her health. Take a moment out of your busy schedule and make sure you are well. Keep up with your appointments, screenings, treatments, and keep your provider in the loop.
“It’s important to get things checked out if you think something is wrong,” advises Dr. Admon. “Women are embarrassed about different female health problems, but we’re here for them. Ask questions and get those answers.”
Dr. Punch and Dr. Admon are faculty members and physicians with Michigan Medicine. They see patients at Hamilton’s Main Clinic every third Friday of the month. If you have concerns about your gynecological health, make an appointment with a Hamilton provider. HCHN also provides a breast care clinic that sees women who are at high risk, and those with benign and malignant breast disease. For more information on Hamilton Women’s Health Clinics, call 810.406.4246.
