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Join us in welcoming obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Hannah Kertz to the Mercy Jefferson team. Dr. Kertz joins Drs. Amanda Carroll, Catherine Hutz and Jacob Peyton and nurse practitioner Shiela Frimml serving patients with Mercy Clinic OB/GYN – Jefferson and joins Drs. Carroll and Peyton and nurse practitioner Sara McAllister serving patients with Mercy Clinic OB/GYN – Farmington. You can get to know more about Dr. Kertz in her own words with this Q&A:
Why did you get into health care?
My father is a retired chiropractor, so I was exposed to health care at a young age. A few family events as I was growing up solidified my desire to help people when they are most in need.
Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor?
Definitely not. If you had asked the elementary and middle school version of me, I was going to be a paleontologist and dig up dinosaur bones for a living.
What drew you to specialize in women’s health care?
I initially thought I was interested in pediatrics because of the longevity of care and ability to create a relationship with my patients. Then I did my surgery rotation as a medical student and found that I was passionate about operating as well. Once I did my OB/GYN rotation, I found it had the best of both worlds. I could form a relationship with my patient from adolescence, through pregnancies and into menopause. I could help both in the clinic and in the operating room, making for a well-rounded approach to their health care.
Are there specific conditions or treatments you have particular interest in?
I adore caring for women through their pregnancies and am comfortable with some of the higher-risk conditions in pregnancy, such as high blood pressure and diabetes in pregnancy. I also take interest in helping patients who struggle with infertility who either are not interested or cannot afford assistance from a reproductive specialist. I care for women who struggle with heavy and/or painful periods, and we discuss all options (medical and surgical) to find the best treatment plan for them.
Why did you choose to join Mercy and specifically Mercy Jefferson?
I am excited to join a faith-based hospital system, as I believe there are constant reminders our patients are first and foremost people. Mercy Jefferson has given me the ability to provide full-scope OB/GYN care close to home, as my husband and I both grew up in nearby Ste. Genevieve. That gives us the benefits of allowing our children to grow up near family.
What do you enjoy about living here?
I'm from Ste. Genevieve, and Jefferson County and St. Francois County have a very similar feel. I want the ability to provide care to a tight-knit community. It's such a joy to meet a patient who introduces herself as "so-and-so's" aunt, cousin, neighbor, best friend or whatever that relationship is. I have the privilege of seeing a family tree of people who entrust me with their care.
Do you mind sharing a little about your personal life?
I’m married to my high school sweetheart, Bryan, and we are blessed with two daughters, Miriam who is 5, and Eleanor, who is about to turn 2. We love hiking, boating, fishing, gardening and tent camping.
