More {{ vm.segmentName}} News
View All {{ vm.segmentName }} News
Quick Facts:
Fort Smith
Shay Barfield, APRN, with Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Tower West in Fort Smith, says her passion for women’s health comes from a simple belief: every woman deserves access to care when she needs it.
“Unfortunately, in some of the communities where I’ve worked, it can take months for women to get in to see a gynecologist,” Barfield explained. “That wait can feel overwhelming, and many women end up going without screenings that could save their lives.”
By offering services like Pap testing at the primary care level, Barfield has seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes when women can access timely care.
She outlined key benchmarks: routine Pap tests and STI screening in a patient’s 20s, cholesterol and thyroid testing in the 30s, mammograms beginning at age 40, and colorectal cancer screening by midlife. “These age-based guidelines are critical, but so is looking at the whole person — her mental health, her daily stressors, and the way she balances caregiving responsibilities with her own needs,” Barfield noted.
But for Barfield, comprehensive women’s health goes beyond medical tests. “I define it not only as the screenings appropriate for each stage of life, but also as the physical, emotional and social support that women need to thrive,” she said.
One of the greatest challenges she sees is that women often prioritize others over themselves.
“Women are usually caregivers, and they tend to put their own health on the back burner,” Barfield said. “They may not feel sick until an illness is advanced. Screenings help us find problems early — when treatment works best.”
That’s especially important given that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, followed by cancer. “It’s easy to delay a mammogram or ignore high blood pressure when you’re juggling work, children and family obligations,” Barfield said. “But preventive screenings and regular checkups are essential. These tests may sound overwhelming, but they can truly save lives.”
Hormonal changes are another area where she provides guidance. “For some women, hormone replacement therapy can provide significant relief during perimenopause or menopause,” she explained. “We look at symptoms, risk factors and lab results to determine the best approach, whether it’s pills, patches or creams. It’s very individualized.”
Barfield also emphasizes the connection between mental and physical health. “A woman struggling with depression or anxiety may find it difficult to focus on her preventive care until her emotional needs are met,” she said.
One patient story has stayed with Barfield over the years. “I saw a young woman in her 30s who thought she had recurring yeast infections. It had been a decade since her last Pap test. We discovered cervical cancer during her exam, which had already spread to her uterus,” Barfield recalled. “Thankfully, with surgery and treatment, she is now healthy. She reminds me why I always stress the importance of screenings — even when women are busy or hesitant.”
Looking to the future, Barfield is hopeful. “What gives me hope is the growing awareness around women’s health, from new approaches to cardiovascular care to updated research on hormone therapy,” she said. “Most of all, it’s the women I see every day — women who want to learn, who ask questions and who take charge of their health. My role is to make sure they have the support, resources and encouragement to do just that.”
