Women’s Health Clinic
Dr. Lauren Runnels is part of one of the busiest OB/ GYN practices at Willis-Knighton South & the Center for Women’s Health. As a partner with Women’s Health Clinic, she doesn’t simply provide medical care but strives to develop relationships with her patients. “Just having a little bit of personal banter breaks through barriers and relaxes the situation,” she explains. “I want my patients to feel comfortable, to be themselves and express themselves freely. “ Dr. Runnels indicates she knows there are many choices for obstetrics and gynecology in the community, but she wants patients to know that she and her partners are committed not only to medical care but to walking through their experiences alongside them. That commitment means that patients see a medical doctor at every visit. Choosing to practice at Willis- Knighton South, Dr. Runnels has immediate access to the maternal/fetal specialists for high-risk issues and to the NICU should it be needed for a premature birth. “We have a fantastic women’s center, excellent perinatologists and neonatologists, and an outstanding hospital system to back it all up,” she said.
A transplant from South Louisiana, Dr. Runnels met her husband in Shreveport when they were attending medical school. “Shreveport was a good fit for us, not too big, not to small. It’s a good place to raise a family and offers great schools,” she says, adding that it’s not too far from her family in South Louisiana.
When she was choosing a specialty, obstetrics/gynecology was a good fit for her. It’s primary care for women and something she can relate to as a woman. She also enjoys the variety of seeing patients in the office, performing surgeries and delivering babies. And it’s the delivery experience that is special. “There is nothing like delivering a baby,” she says. “It’s the most surreal experience and I think that it’s by far one of the most rewarding things a person can do.”
When “B-Day” (birth day) arrives, most patients are relaxed.
Dr. Runnels and the staff at Women’s Health Clinic work to educate and prepare each patient for their desired experience, making sure the patient and her family know that the team is there to guide and support them through this experience. “Every delivery is unique and special in its own way,” she says. “Every birthday is a joyous occasion!” This busy obstetrician/gynecologist also appreciates being able to help women who need surgery, and is pleased to be able to offer minimally-invasive techniques that reduce pain and scarring and limit the hospital stay and expense. “Between laparoscopy and daVinci robotic surgery, I can almost always give my patients a minimally invasive option,” she indicates.
(318) 212-5790 2508 Bert Kouns Ste. 201 Shreveport, LA 71118
