Richard Duff, M.D. F.A.C.O.G.

I feel very blessed to say that I enjoy my vocation more today than the day I made the commitment to life as a physician. In a time when concerns are escalating regarding “physician burnout”, I have expanded my personal practice to include management of Obesity. In addition to my continuing practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology, I have now developed a very successful medical weight loss program.

It is quite interesting to observe the parallels of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Obesity Medicine beginning with the basic sciences of biochemistry, molecular cell biology, embryology and genetics, and extending through clinical medicine focusing on medical and surgical diseases that impact pregnant woman, newborn illnesses, pediatric syndromes and a host of comorbidities inherent to both fields.

I have been asked many times “Why OB/GYN for a specialty?” The simple answer is because the specialty provides a lifetime of stimulating learning covering the breadth of knowledge and diagnostic and treatment modalities applied to woman’s services. There is also the drama and excitement associated with guiding patients safely through the birth process in obstetrics, and alternatively through the surgical procedures now being performed in the office as well as the hospital operating room.

The annual wellness exam has also become so much more than just the pap and breast check. We really have an opportunity to now care for women in ways that may alter intergenerational health improvements by starting even before pregnancy. That is why I have added obesity medicine. I am now board certified in both fields of medicine providing credibility to both patients and referring physicians.

I have practiced in our Rochester community since my residency and I am very pleased to be in the group of OB/GYNS that have seen Crittenton Hospital Medical Center transition to the Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. We have a renovated L&D/MBU and 24/7 OB, Neonatology and Anesthesia coverage to provide state of the art Obstetric care. This is supplemented by Maternal Fetal Medicine physicians available for consultation 24/7 and on campus consultations. This hospital is a wonderful environment to begin or continue your family.