Northwest Ohio Center for Urogynecology and Women's Health

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Dr. Andrew Croak
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Who will listen? A new pain here, some urinary leakage there. Part of a woman’s life, right? Wrong, when it comes to pelvic pain or incontinence.Who will listen? Dr. Andrew Croak. Carefully. He knows this is not normal. He knows this discomfort is often more troublesome than a woman wants to admit, and he knows how to effectively help problems like persistent pelvic pain, bladder and bowel control, and prolapse (descent of pelvic organs).

Dr. Croak is the director of the Center and is a Urogynecologist. That’s an Obstetrician/Gynecologist who completes additional training to care for women with complex problems related to pelvic health.
There are few of these specialists in the country. To become one, Dr. Croak studied long and hard at the Mayo Clinic, one of the top clinics in the world. At Mayo, he gained world-class, state-of-the-art technical skills.

But the most important medical skill he already had.

How to listen.

Education:
B.A.: College of the Holy Cross, 1992
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1996
One-year Internship: St. Vincent’s Mercy Medical Center, Toledo, 1997
Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Grandview/Southview Medical Centers, Dayton, 2001
Three-year Fellowship: Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 2004
Masters in Biomedical Sciences: Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 2007
Board Certified: American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Member: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American College of Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, American Urogynecologic Society, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Ohio State Medical Association, Toledo Academy of Medicine, Toledo OB/GYN Society

To view Dr. Croak's Resume: click here



Dr. James Croak
Endometriosis, Infertility,and Laser Surgery

Founding the practice in 1973, Dr. James Croak believed repetition was the mother of all skill. Over thirty years of experience in gynecologic care. Thirty years means he has performed many operations more than a 1000 times. Laparoscopic laser treatment for endometriosis, for example. Thirty years means that women trust him. Some families have chosen him to provide care for three generations.

With his retirement in 2006, he passed on this knowledge and experience to his son, Dr. Andrew Croak. Dr. James Croak still functions in an emeritus capacity to provide input and support to the practice.

Education:
Undergraduate education
: University of Toledo, 1960-1964
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1968
One-year Internship: Doctor’s Hospital, Columbus, 1969
Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology: Medical College of Ohio, 1973
Specialized Training: Advanced Laparoscopic Microsurgery
Board Certified: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Member: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, American Osteopathic Association, National Endometriosis Association, Ohio State





Tracey R. Begley
Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health

Sometimes it’s easier for a woman to talk to a woman. At those times Nurse Practitioner Tracey Begley is there for you. She is a key player in our plan to give you a choice in your care.

Tracey is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned that title by completing a Master’s Degree in Nursing with specialized training in caring for women of all ages. So, she can examine, test, and counsel you on many concerns that in the past only could be dealt with by a physician. Like physical exams, contraceptive care, urinary problems, or counseling on women’s sexuality.

She is certified to prescribe medications and treat minor illnesses. But if she detects something serious, you can trust she will refer you to an appropriate physician. As a professional, Tracey is active and current in her knowledge of women’s health and the stresses they face.

She will take time to listen to your concerns. Time to inform you about your care. Time to answer your questions.

Tracey Begley, a woman you can easily talk to.

Education:
R.N. with honors: Community Hospital School of Nursing, Springfield, Ohio, 1996
B.S.N. cum laude: Wright State University, 1998.
Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner: University of Cincinnati, 2001
Member: Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Association

Tracey joins her husband, Dr. Andrew Croak, to provide excellence in women’s care to the Northwest Ohio region.



Deborah B. Higgins
Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health

Not only is she an excellent clinician, but a nursing instructor.

Deborah has practiced with the Center since February 1st, 2006, and is also a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She earned that title by completing a Degree in Nursing with specialized training in caring for women of all ages. So, she can examine, test, and counsel you on many concerns. Deborah provides medical gynecology services such as physical exams, contraceptive care, screening for sexually transmitted infections, treatment of urinary problems, natural hormone replacement, or counseling on women’s sexuality.

She is certified to treat minor illnesses. But if she detects something serious, you can trust she will refer you to an appropriate physician. As a seasoned professional and professor with 25 years in women's health, Deborah is active and current in her knowledge of women’s health.

Deborah Higgins is accepting new patients. Definitely someone to talk to.

Education:
B.A. with honors: Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 1975
Graduate School: University of California, San Diego, California, 1976-1977
B.S.N. with distinction: University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, 1982
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: University
of Pennsylvania College of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1987
Member: Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health
Affiliations:
Owen Community College School of Nursing - nursing instructor