Two Years of The Girlfriends' Gyno: Why an OBGYN Left Burnout to Fight Dr. Google

Two and a half years ago, I was a tired, overwhelmed obstetrician/gynecologist struggling to remember the things I loved about the field of medicine I'd been drawn to in my 20s.

I had left a position at a large hospital and gone part-time at a small community hospital, healing the crispy remains of my burnt-out self.

I still loved the work, but the nature of the job was changing. The landscape of medical practice was shifting to a place where anyone with a phone or an internet connection had access to medical information and could both give and receive medical advice, regardless of their background. Pair that with long waits to see a doctor and a rushed 15-minute visit, and it is not surprising that "Dr. Google" became the first choice for many people.

There were plenty of cute GIFs about this, and a patient even gave me a mug that read: "Please don't confuse your Google search with my medical degree." Dr. Google had become my biggest competitor. I was also watching influencers with no medical background hand out medical advice based on their personal experiences. I'm sure their intentions were pure, and I would tell my patients regularly that one person's story is valid and relevant for them, but it isn't "research."

A Google search is not research.

This is where The Girlfriends' Gyno was born. I decided to put my money and my resources into sharing the conversations I was having in my office with a larger audience. I wanted a community bigger than my geographical location, and I wanted to make obstetrics and gynecology information less scary and more accessible.

September 6th marked the second anniversary of my first post and the launch of TGG. With every reel, story, and video, I've tried to educate and break down medical information into bite-sized morsels. So much has changed in the OB/GYN world in two years, and I'm doing my best to stay current and relevant while remaining very human in a world of AI-curated content. Every year there is more research being published in peer-reviewed journals that I want to share, and also more myths online about menopause and medications, puberty, pills, and pelvic pain that I want to help debunk!

What I'm Celebrating

I've had the chance to share information and opinions on podcasts, in classrooms, and through lectures and workshops.

I've taken big chances early on, like setting up a temporary OnlyFans account when I first launched just to talk about sex completely uncensored, and I now have longer-form paid content on my website about sex and menopause.

I've collaborated with amazing startups like FOLM and WTFF to help promote the work they're doing to educate and inform women about their bodies.

I've challenged myself to show up even when I'm looking less than perfect, because that's what my patients see too. I'm a human doctor giving real information. Thank you to everyone who follows, has "followed", "liked", "saved", "commented", and re-posted my information.

What I'm Looking Forward To

I hope to keep growing my following so I can speak truth to power and industry, and stay unbiased. I would love to continue to partner with organizations, companies, and individuals who are helping to elevate health and wellness for women. I am so excited to be working with Diva Cup to shine a light on alternatives to pads and tampons.

I want to keep giving clear, relevant medical information across every aspect of obstetrics and gynecology. I want people to understand what their bodies are capable of, how they work, and how not to fear their own power. I want patients to be able to talk to their doctors, PAs, and NPs (and get the most out of those visits because they walk in prepared).

I hope to grow my website with more long-form content and more blogs on the topics that matter. I want to keep promoting the doctors, nurses, and providers who share real, science-based medical information, and to keep offering evidence-based information to combat the misinformation that is so prevalent on social media.

Shout out to a posse of Jen/Jennifers and one Fran: Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, Paging Dr. Fran, Dr. Dr. Jen Gunter, and Jen Hamilton.

Here's to another great year as The Girlfriends' Gyno.