Dr. Vicky Griffin is area's leading provider of revolutionary DaVinci robotic hysterectomy

Dr. Griffin consults with an obstetrical patient, in this file photo. Her practice purchased a 4D ultrasound which shows the infant in real time while still in the uterus. She has advanced to become the leading provider of DaVinci robotic hysterectomy in Santa Rosa which reduces recovery time, complications and pain for the patient. Q: Dr. Griffin, tell us a little bit about your education.

A: I graduated Cum Laude from University of North Dakota with BS in Chemistry; Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, Calif.: Rotating Osteopathic Internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, Mich.: Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from Michigan State University.

Q: Where did you grow up? A: I grew up in Washington State.

Q: Are you married?

A: Yes, I am married to Jeff Munsch, and we have two daughters, Sarah and Katie.

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: 10 years

Q: What or who inspires you?

A: My initial inspiration came from my parents who instilled a sense that I could do anything. They stressed education as way to success. My sister who is also a DO in primary care introduced me to the concept of osteopathic medicine. She was influential in my choice of OB/GYN specialty as well.

Q: What are some of your accomplishments?

A: I look at my wall of baby pictures and I am proud to have been a part of their birth. Each picture has a story. I try to make pregnancy as easy as possible by offering extensive counseling in nutrition and education of body changes and physical activity in pregnancy. I am proud to be associated with a Brady coach, Erin Hinze who teaches out of our office. We purchased a 4D ultrasound, which shows the infant in real time while still in the uterus.

In Gynecology currently I have advanced to the leading provider of DaVinci robotic hysterectomy in Santa Rosa. It reduces recovery time, reduces complications and pain for the patient. It uses smaller incisions and most of my patients go home the next day after surgery. I also provide minimally invasive alternatives to hysterectomy such as hysteroscopy and endometrial ablation. We offer bladder testing and several minimally invasive techniques to bladder support such as tension free vaginal tape (TVT) and transobterator tape (TOT). We offer pelvic support surgeries with mesh, which reduces re-occurrence of the prolapse.

Q: What keeps you going?

A: My patients. Even on those days when I have worked all night delivering babies or worked in the OR, etc., I think of the patients who need my help and aren't feeling well. I think about how they would feel if I didn't go in to work and this motivates me to go to the office. Often when I tired or feeling overwhelmed from running a business it is the patients' words of thanks and their smiles that give me the energy to keep going.

Q: What is your goal for the future?

A: Keep serving my community by providing health care. I look forward to the new surgical techniques which are coming out which, reduce recovery time and pain for my patients.