We've been talking about putting together a Women's Physicians Referral guide. So, if you have a particular doctor or remedy or anything you'd like to share with other HIV+ women, send us the information and we'll print it.

I'd like to start this column by mentioning a wonderful, caring GYN who has been treating HIV+ women for the last few years. His name is Dr. Stephen Schmones and he is quitting private practice to work at Cigna. So, any of you lucky enough to have Cigna insurance should make a point to meet him. You won't regret it. He is the ideal care-giver. He is sweet, kind, sensitive, caring, extremely knowledgeable on HIV matters, not to mention - really cute which doesn't hurt when you are having an exam! I always wished he could be my "everything doctor" because he cares. He is very professional yet at the same time personal. He listens and offers realistic suggestions.

As HIV can manifest itself by causing infections in our female anatomy, it is important to have a good relationship with our providers. Losing Dr. Schmones to Cigna is a difficult burden to overcome for myself and others. Many of his patients have relied on him and he has always made himself available to us, day or night. Replacing him seems like a hopeless endeavor. We are sorry for ourselves but happy for you, if you should be lucky enough to be seen by Dr. Schmones.

19930901
WO1993-0908

Copyright © 1993 - Women Alive Reproduced with permission of Women Alive, 1566 S. Burnside Ave., Mid-City Los Angeles, CA 90019; Phone (323) 965-1564, FAX: (323) 965-9886. You need permission from Women Alive to make more than one copy of any article in this section.

ÆGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

ÆGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1985, 1993. ÆGiS. All materials appearing on ÆGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of ÆGIS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.