Career Pulse

Freedman Joins Baystate Medical Practices — Wilbraham Adult Medicine

SPRINGFIELD – Dr. Sarah Freedman, who specializes in internal medicine, has joined Baystate Medical Practices — Wilbraham Adult Medicine, located on 2377 Boston Road in Wilbraham.

Freedman, who has a special interest in preventive medicine, earned her doctor of medicine degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Before entering the field of medicine, Freedman graduated magna cum laude from Smith College in Northampton, where she majored in psychology and conducted research on language and cognitive development in hearing and deaf children.

Physicians at Baystate Medical Practices — Wilbraham Adult Medicine are on the medical staff at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

Perks Earns Menopause Practitioner Certification

SOUTH HADLEY — Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Inc. has announced that Rebekah Perks has successfully met the criteria and passed the examination necessary to become a certified menopause practitioner, credentialed through the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). She is one of only two health care practitioners in Western Mass. to hold this certification.

Founded in 1989, the North American Menopause Society is North America’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and quality of life through an understanding of menopause. Practitioners who earn the NAMS menopause practitioner credential have demonstrated special interest and competency in the field of menopause.

“The field of women’s health care includes many life stages — adolescence, the childbearing years, menopause, and beyond,” Perks said. “Each stage carries with it unique circumstances, concerns, and health-maintenance needs. During menopause, women experience unique physical and hormonal changes, coupled with the potential for emotional, social, family, and career changes. I believe it is important to engage in conversation with my patients to understand their specific questions and concerns.

“I find it especially rewarding to help my patients navigate through these changes, empowering them to make important decisions about their health based on factual information,” she continued. “The designation of certified menopause practitioner is a milestone in my career and calls attention to my commitment to offer contemporary approaches to gynecological health during the menopausal years.”

Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Inc. is a private women’s health care practice consisting of physicians, certified nurse midwives, certified nurse practitioners, and support staff. In addition to traditional ob/gyn services, the group specializes in menopausal treatment options, incontinence treatment, ultrasonography, birth-control options, advanced pelviscopy, and adolescent women’s health care. The practice has community offices in Springfield, South Hadley, East Longmeadow, and West Springfield. For more information, visit www.bogg.com.

Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Welcomes Thompson

SPRINGFIELD — The providers and staff of Baystate Ob/Gyn Group Inc. have announced that Dr. Kimberly Thomson has joined their practice as a obstetrician and gynecologist. She will see patients in the practice’s East Longmeadow and Springfield offices.

Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Penn. During her undergraduate education, her interest in obstetrics and gynecology began to take root. She followed her passion for women’s health care at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Osteopathy degree.

“I explored many specialties during medical school, but it was the field of obstetrics and gynecology that was a natural fit for me,” Thompson said. “As an obstetrician and gynecologist, I have a unique opportunity to follow my patients throughout their lives, from adolescence to menopause. The field of ob/gyn is diverse and inherently dynamic, fostering an environment for lifelong learning.”

Thompson completed her residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Baystate Medical Center. During that time, she served as a clinical associate and instructor for Tufts University School of Medicine. She was selected by third-year medical students as a resident to be recognized for accomplished teaching. She was also recognized by the department of Maternal Fetal Medicine for an outstanding performance in obstetrics and a strong commitment to the health of the pregnant patient and baby.

Thompson’s clinical interests include obstetrics, contraceptive education, and adolescent health care. With a particular emphasis on preventative medicine, she helps women develop lifestyles that not only fight illness, but also help prevent disease and support lifelong wellness.

“My goal is to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to all patients,” she said. “Each day I look forward to helping women navigate the challenges of life and, through active listening, conversation, and education, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health care.”

Dr. Howard Trietsch, managing physician of Baystate Ob/Gyn Group, noted that “we are very pleased to welcome Dr. Thompson to our practice. Our doctors and midwives have had the fortunate experience of working with Dr. Thompson in her position at Baystate Medical Center, and we feel very comfortable with her technical skills and patient-focused personality. It is a pleasure to welcome her to our practice.”

Kiely Joins Department of Surgery at Baystate Medical Center

SPRINGFIELD – Dr. Mark Kiely, who specializes in colorectal surgery, has joined the Department of Surgery at Baystate Medical Center.

Kiely, who sees patients with a wide range of colon and rectal problems, has a special interest in inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and anorectal disorders. He earned his medical degree from University of Dublin, Trinity College in Ireland, and later completed his general surgery residency at Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and a colorectal surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

The board-certified surgeon is active in research and has published in several peer-reviewed journals. He serves as an assistant professor of medicine for Tufts University School of Medicine. Baystate Medical Center serves as the western campus of Tufts University School of Medicine.

Dr. Kiely sees patients at Baystate Medical Practices – General Surgery, located at 2 Medical Center Dr., Suite 308, in Springfield. While he sees patients primarily for colon and rectal problems, other physicians at the practice see patients with a wide range of medical problems involving the abdomen and gastrointestinal tract, hernias, endocrine glands, colon, and rectum, as well as obesity addressed through its Weight Loss Surgery Program.