General Information    

What is a Urogynecologist?    

A urogynecologist is a physician with special interest and expertise in problems such as:

• loss of bladder and/or bowel control
• difficulty urinating
• prolapse (dropped bladder, womb, rectum)

(A urogynecologist does not typically deal with kidney problems)

What kind of training does a Urogynecologist have?

Urogynecologists have completed their required years of gynecological training. Following this training these physicians have usually done additional specialized training consisting of a three year fellowship in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery.

History at GBMC    

GBMC has had a long commitment to gynecology initially pioneered by Dr. James Dorsey.   Since 1991, there has been a fellowship training program at GBMC.  This fellowship training program has now evolved into a formalized three year training program which is integrated with Johns Hopkins Medicine and University of Maryland Medical System.   At any given time there are 1 to 3 fellows in training.

The division now consists of Dr. Mark Ellerkmann, Dr. Joan Blomquist and Dr. Michelle Germain. 

Types of problems dealt with:

• Urinary stress incontinence (stress or urge)
• Overactive bladder (urge incontinence)
• Fecal incontinence - inability to control gas or stool
• Prolapse - dropped uterus, bladder, or bowel
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Urethral diverticulum
• Hematuria - blood in the urine
• Difficulty emptying the bladder (i.e. MS or stroke patients)
• Interstitial cystitis

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