“I have always been passionate about women’s health,” she said. “We all have a niche, and I found mine.”

That’s why she has opened “Ladies First,” a gynecological care clinic at 47A Batavia City Centre in Batavia.

Services at “Ladies First” is available to females age 13 and older and includes:

• routine annual exams;
• cancer screenings;
• vaginal and urinary tract infection diagnosis and treatment;
• STD diagnosis and treatment;
• family planning;
• birth control;
• menopausal care; and
• osteoporosis treatment.

Schmidt, of Batavia, draws from a 20-year nursing career that has allowed her to work with all kinds of patients "from babies to geriatrics.”

Prior to her new venture, she was a nurse practitioner at the Women's Care Center of United Memorial Medical Center and at the general practice of Mary Obear, M.D., in Pembroke. She has also worked at St. Jerome's and HomeCare & Hospice.

One of the perks she has noticed in being a nurse practitioner is that it fosters a holistic view of the patient.

"I think being a nurse practitioner rather than an M.D., you look at the patient as a whole (rather than) just focus on what the patient came to the office that day for."

To that end, she has worked hard to give "Ladies First" a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere -- complete with solid, Amish-made maple cabinets from Pennsylvania, hardwood flooring and walls painted a warm terra cotta.

"My patients are loving the non-medical feel of the office," Schmidt said.

Construction of "Ladies First" started the first week of August. Schmidt's husband, Edward, collaborated with the contractors in renovating the vacant space next to the office of Lalit Jain, M.D., and "worked hard to get the place done on time."

Once that phase of the project was completed, then came the marketing phase. "Ladies First" has had a very good run so far, and Schmidt attributes much of its success to word of mouth.

"Let's face it," she said, "most women are not going to pick their GYN provider out of the Yellow Pages. Most of my patients come from referrals from their friends, family and coworkers."

Still, Schmidt has done her part to put "Ladies First" out there. She took part in the Business Improvement District's "Taste of Fall Wine Walk," which brought about 300 people to the office. She has also been printing T-shirts and advertising (including on The Batavian).

All of this effort flows from Schmidt's strong desire to use her expertise in the service of other women.

"Women seem to relate better to other women when discussing birth control, menstrual cycles, menopause and sexual health. They are more open to discussion."

Most insurance programs will cover a visit to "Ladies First," according to Schmidt.

"We do have a reduced fee for cash-paying patients depending on the service they need," she said.

As a nurse practitioner, Schmidt cannot provide any surgical or pregnancy-related care. For that, she will refer patients to her collaborating physician, Richard Edwards, M.D.

"Ladies First" is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to noon Fridays. It is closed on Wednesdays.

For more information, call 343-6600.

Photo courtesy of Krysten Schmidt

                WE INVITE YOU TO BUILD A WALL WITH US ....@ THE SALVATION ARMY CHAPEL 529 E.MAIN ST.& SPRUCE            

                                                                                Day:      Fri.     OCT.     14th

                                                                                TIME:    6:30 -(sharp)   to   8:00    

"I LOOKED FOR A" WOMAN" AMONG THEM THAT WOULD BUILD UP THE WALL AND STAND IN THE GAP ON BEHALF OF THE LAND(the schools in Batavia)" Ez.22:30a

YES, ......FOR ALL BATAVIA  SCHOOLS,...PUBLIC,PRIVATE,AND G.C.C. TOO!!

We will meet to PRAY by using bricks,YES, brick by brick you will see the wall go up.....What is unique about these bricks is each one will have a powerful scripture verse to claim for your child, their school, or the teachers/administrators. We do not want any school to be missed,so please be there to represnt your school.I'm sure you'll agree our schools are in desperate need of prayer!!.Be a part of this powerful ONE time event for the school year.

We heartily WELCOME ALL WOMEN age 10 & up, moms, bring your teenager let them represent their own school,college young lady God desires to answer your prayers,what do you want God to do for your college campus?   

Who are( WE) you may ask?....a group of praying moms and grandmoms who   .                                                       meet on a regular basis during the school year  .                                                        to pray for children and schools.                            .                                      "  MOMS IN TOUCH INTERNATIONAL  " 

PURPOSE:                                    To pray that our schools will be directed by                                                                  biblical values and high moral standards                                                                       

                                                         To provide hope and strength to moms and                                                                grand-moms who carry heavy burdens for their                                                          children

CONTACT INFO.            #585-591-3422  OR  flyrt.mit54@yahoo.com

NOTE:  IF YOU CAN READ,YOU CAN DO THIS,YOU WILL NOT BE ASKED TO                  PRAY ALOUD, BUT WILL BE LED IN PRAYER. NO MORE                                        COMPLAINING ABOUT OUR SCHOOLS BE PART OF THE SOLUTION! 

REMEMBER:     This event is in 3 days, sorry this was posted so late           

Celebrate Women’s History Month with the American Girls at the Richmond Memorial Library. Every Saturday in March we will explore the era of a different American Girl through games, skits, crafts, and snacks. We will discuss the character’s book and time period, so be sure to start reading or re-read the series. 3/7 @ 10:30am *Meet Molly, *3/14 @ 10:30am *Meet Addy, *3/21 @ 10:30am *Meet Kirsten, *3/28 @ 10:30am *Meet Felicity.* Recommended for ages 7 and up. Please be sure to register early 585-343-9550 x4.