Dr. Block: Where is she now?

Based on your questions and comments, we know how much many of you miss our founder, Dr. Donna Block, who retired and moved from the Twin Cities about a year ago. We had a wonderful time catching up with her on where she is, what she is doing and what she is enjoying! Dr. Block moved to Raleigh, N.C., to be closer to family (chiefly her two grandkids) – naturally, she loves the winters but missed Minnesota in the summer. She is also focusing on travel, wellness and thoughtful determining “what is next.” Read our full interview here.

Two Clinic Sofia Doctors Named Rising Stars

Clinic Sofia is proud to share that Dr. Erin Stevens and Dr. David Clay have been named to Mpls/St. Paul magazine's list of 2019 Top Doctors Rising Stars.  The annual award recognizes Twin Cities' doctors for significant achievements in the first decade of their profession. Honorees are selected by their peers who are asked to nominate one or more doctors they would go to if they or a loved one were seeking medical care. For more information, check out the April issue of the magazine.

The Latest on Zika

With many Minnesotans taking spring vacations to warmer climates, we’ve heard from several patients who wonder if the Zika virus is still a concern. You may recall that Zika is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, which generally breed in warmer climates like the Caribbean and other popular vacation destinations, and can lead to miscarriage or birth defects in babies born to mothers who have contracted the virus while pregnant. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recently issued a Zika Travel Update, and we wanted to pass some of the information that was shared.

• --While the spread of Zika has slowed, it does not mean that the risk is gone. The virus is still present in many countries across the world.
• --Pregnant women and couples planning to become pregnant with three months should talk to their healthcare provider before a trip to any affected area.
• --The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and MDH continue to recommend that pregnant women do not travel to any areas currently experiencing a Zika outbreak.  For more information on affected areas, please visit the CDC's website.
• --Last, please don’t hesitate to contact Clinic Sofia to discuss further if you have questions about an upcoming trip, or if you have recently returned from an affected area. We are happy to help share additional details to help you make informed decisions about your health!

Dr. Stevens Testifies in Support of Coverage for Contraception

The Minnesota Medical Association recently shared an update on a bill that would require health plans to cover all contraceptive methods and services. While most of the services are currently covered by Minnesota health plans, recent federal rulings have limited coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Dr. Erin Stevens testified on behalf of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians in support of the bill. See the article here.

Dr. Stevens Writes Op/Ed about Title X Funding

In addition to her role at Clinic Sofia, Dr. Erin Stevens also serves on the Legislative Committee and Advisory Council of the Minnesota Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.  She recently penned an op/ed column for MinnPost.com, “Stop the Title X gag rule to retain comprehensive care for all.” Signed in support with her colleagues on the committee, the piece discusses how political obstruction of Title X funding—the  national family-planning fund that helps low-income individuals receive reproductive health care services—is not in the best interest of patients, including 53,000 Minnesotans, who rely on the funding for critical health care services.  Read the article here.

Congrats to Dr. Wagner and Jennifer Knapp

Clinic Sofia is proud to share that both Dr. Jewelia Wagner and Nurse Practitioner Jennifer Knapp were recently recognized as "Best OB/GYNs" in the annual Sun Current Newspapers Readers' Choice awards.  Each year the network of community newspapers calls on its readers to cast their vote for their favorite local businesses and professional services.  Dr. Wagner was honored in the Bloomington community while Jennifer was recognized in the Eagan area.  Thanks to everyone who voted!