Dr. Heather vanRaalte

About Dr. vanRaalte

Personal Statement - Heather M. vanRaalte, MD

I entered the field of medicine because I wanted to make an impact in the way people live their lives. Throughout my medical training, I was drawn to issues in women’s health, which led me to complete a residency in obstetrics and gynecology.

It was then that I began to notice just how common pelvic organ prolapse and bladder control issues are among women, as well as the tremendous burden these issues place on women’s lives. Both urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are conditions that slowly change a woman’s life to the point where she is unable to do the things she wants to do. Fortunately the number of the advancements in medical and surgical treatments continues to grow at a phenomenal pace.

When I was accepted as a fellow at the Institute I jumped at the chance to become further trained in the subspecialty of urogynecology. The Institute gave me the opportunity to join a group of dedicated physicians who are “cutting-edge”. Since becoming a part of the Institute, I can truly say the impact of providing treatment and surgical cures to our patients has been tremendously gratifying. It is a privilege to help out patients live their lives without the burden of pelvic floor conditions.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy relaxing with my husband, visiting art galleries and catching up with our families and friends. My husband and I are avid travelers and after living and traveling through many places in the world, we are always looking for the next destination to explore.

Visit Dr. vanRaalte’s Letters from Liberia and Letters from Ghana