Treating Patients Like Family
By Kara Pound
Photo by Ryan Wendler
Encompassing the two subspecialties of obstetrics and gynecology, OB-GYN Associates of St. Augustine has grown by leaps and bounds since Dr. Susan Yarian founded the practice in 2001. What started as an office with one doctor and one midwife has since grown to encompass four locations and a diverse staff of highly qualified professionals, specializing in all facets of women’s health.
From menstruation and childbirth to menopause and a myriad of other biological functions that the female body experiences, OB-GYN Associates of St. Augustine has helped more than 10,000 patients over the years.
“I had been working for another practice for six years until I felt that my kids were old enough for me to start my own,” Dr. Yarian explains.
“It started with just five of us: me, [nurse-practitioner] Barbara Dembek, and three employees. It was a crazy year, and I was on call for most of it.”
Shortly thereafter, Dr. Eric Pulsfus joined the team, followed by Dr. Kelly Jago, Dr. Laila Needham, Dr. Thomas Searle, and Dr. Karen Toppi, along with midwives Elizabeth Arnett, Amy Loughlin, Elizabeth Meadows, Michele Rogero, and Sue Chappuis.
“Over the past six or seven years, the practice has just exploded,” says Dr. Yarian. “We now have plenty of oncall coverage and have opened additional locations in Palm Coast, Palatka, and World Golf Village. Our main office at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine was always part of
my vision to offer comprehensive care to our patients.”
In the early days, OB-GYN Associates of St. Augustine offered “pretty basic services,” as described by Dr. Yarian. Today, the practice specializes in everything from high-risk obstetrics, laparoscopic procedures, urinary incontinence, menopausal medicine, and primary infertility to general gynecology and birth services.
“I never meant for the practice to get so big,” Dr. Yarian admits. “It just happened. But, it’s also become my reason to get up in the morning. We always make sure to take care of our staff and treat each patient as if they are family.”
For more information about the practice and any of their locations, please visit the OB-GYN Associates of St. Augustine website.
