TGH Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches brings on Dr. Maria Cristina Hatara to provide more female-friendly gastroenterological care
The gastroenterological health of women – like each woman – is unique. The digestive tracts of men and women are essentially the same, but issues related to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy and childbirth can affect a woman’s digestive health in distinct ways. This is why Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches is putting an increased focus on the specific gastrointestinal needs of women.
The American College of Gastroenterology stresses that female gastroenterologists are an asset to the medical community, as many patients specifically request female physicians, given the intimacy of the practice. But as of 2019, fewer than 1 in 5 gastroenterologists were women, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. However, a 2021 study in the Gastroenterology medical journal shows that number has been slowly increasing and concludes that “establishing and maintaining gender diversity and equity in GI is necessary to cultivate the full range of talents to improve the quality and impact of this field.”
In February 2022, TGH Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches hired Dr. Maria Cristina Hatara not only to address these issues, but because she was the right person for the job.
Dr. Hatara is a board-certified gastroenterologist with nearly 10 years of clinical practice. Her clinical interests in general gastroenterology include inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease. She’s conducted clinical research throughout her career and is credited with several publications and presentations in areas of her expertise. Dr. Hatara is also fluent in English and Romanian and speaks conversational Spanish and French.
“Regardless of the patient, I want to put them at ease and help them understand they will receive the best care possible,” Dr. Hatara said. “I’m proud to join the team and help the practice take on a diverse range of patients.”
Collaborative Care
At TGH Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches, Dr. Hatara joins five other gastrointestinal specialists who trained at some of the world’s most respected institutions. Through collaboration, the doctors are able to provide the most comprehensive and advanced treatment options in a seamless, coordinated manner. Local patients who have complex, specialized cases can even have their surgeries performed in Tampa, with follow-up care offered back on the East Coast.
“It has been invaluable working with the other physicians locally and in Tampa,” said Dr. Hatara. “The whole team wants to take care of our patients and improve their outcomes.”
TGH entered into its alliance with Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches as the highest-ranked hospital in Florida for gastroenterology and GI surgery. The hospital’s clinicians use the most advanced technology available to diagnose and treat a variety of GI conditions, including those affecting the esophagus, stomach, liver and pancreas, as well as intestinal and colorectal conditions.
Academic Advantage
Dr. Hatara now also has the benefit of working with one of Florida’s leading academic medical centers.
Through TGH’s partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, TGH Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches is dedicated to pioneering breakthrough treatments and conducting cutting-edge clinical research in the field of gastroenterology. Tampa General Hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s best hospitals, and is highest ranked in Florida for gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery.
“As a woman, it’s a very exciting time to be in this field,” Dr. Hatara said. “And I’m proud to be a part of the Tampa General family.”
To schedule an appointment, call (561) 659-6543. For more information, please call (561) 644-0125.