Her Medical is Gold Coast’s first dedicated women’s health and wellbeing practice to open in Southport

The iconic pink building is set to provide women with a spa-like experience to tend to their health – and it’s finally open after “unexpected delays”.

A MONTH after its official opening, Her Medical will welcome patients at its Southport premises from November 15 after an “unexpected delay”.

Mayor Tom Tate cut the ribbon at the bright pink building on the corner of Yacht St and Ferry Rd on October 15, but “unforeseen events” have meant a month-long wait until bookings could be made.

The practice, dedicated to women’s health and wellbeing, has been a dream of owner and Gold Coast GP Dr Donna Tanchev since she graduated from Bond University.

Her Medical is located on the corner of Ferry Rd and Yacht St in Southport. Picture: Jerad Williams

“As a young woman when I started looking for a GP for myself I couldn't find a practice that I felt really comfortable in, particularly to talk about female specific issues,” she said.

“Her Medical is the reality of a very clear vision I have held in my mind from so long ago to create a beautiful, elegant space for women to attend to their health.

“I wanted a spa-like experience in the medical centre that included a holistic approach to wellness.”

Dr Tanchev, who used to work in Broadbeach, said over the years numerous patients had echoed her sentiments, saying they often felt women’s issues were often overlooked and they didn’t feel listened to or heard.

“Quite often doctors just refer women to gynaecologists for issues such as endometriosis, heavy periods, menopause, prolapse and other issues that are often embarrassing or awkward to talk about,” she said.

Dr Donna Tanchev is the principal GP and founder of Her Medical.

“Women’s health is such a huge topic in itself, particularly menopause and the options available.

“Years ago everyone was so scared about HRT, and there’s still GPs that are hesitant to prescribe it, but our doctors will have open and honest conversations with patients.

“There are so many things that women just suffer through when really good primary care can solve the problem or offer a range of options to help instead of just referring them to other specialists.”

With five women GPs on the books, and a male doctor joining in a few weeks, Her Medical offers a range of allied health services.

This includes a clinical naturopath, lactation consultant, midwife, dietitian, acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, physiotherapist, massage therapist and a cosmetic nurse.

The waiting room inside Her Medical in Southport.

“This is the place for a holistic, whole person care approach for women and their families, from birth through all stages of life.

“Our other services mean that where western medicine lacks, other options exist for us to care for patients.”

Dr Tanchev expects younger woman and teenagers, who were often just told to go on the pill, would feel more comfortable discussing their contraception options with female doctors.

She said added that Her Medical would treat male patients, most likely those partners of women who attended the clinic.

Dr Donna Tanchev.

“Quite often women make appointments for their husbands, so we’re definitely not excluding men, we’re just not targeting them,” she said.

“But we definitely do see men, they are important in women’s lives.”

Dr Tanchev said Her Medical could be a person’s regular GP or they could be referred by their GP for specific women’s health services or treatments, such as antenatal care, allowing a shared-care approach between GPs.

Helping his sister realised her dream was Dennis Tanchev, who said the delayed opening of the medical centre was due to “unexpected and unforeseen events” and he thanked patients for their patience.

Her Medical in Southport. Picture: Jerad Williams

Dr Donna Tanchev from Her Medical.

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Originally published as Her Medical is Gold Coast’s first dedicated women’s health and wellbeing practice to open in Southport