Launched in December 2021, the Penn Women’s Fully Integrated Rectovaginal Symptom Team (FIRST) Clinic is a multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic led by Dr. Farzana Rashid Hossain (Gastroenterology) in partnership with Dr. Nicole Saur (Colorectal Surgery) and Dr. Pam Levin (Urogynecology). This team’s additional key collaborators include Dr. Pickett-Blakely (GI Nutrition - who are on site in clinic) and Lisa Sator (Physical Therapy), along with other providers and services like Radiology, if needed.
Patients with a range of pelvic floor issues (including defecatory disorders, prolapse, incontinence, fistulas) are assessed at a single site by the core team together in unison with the final management plan a result of shared decision-making with the patient resulting in efficient, high quality, and impactful one-stop care.
In alignment with Penn’s academic mission, the FIRST clinic team holds MDT meetings once a month to discuss cases, research, and meet with potential collaborators. The FIRST clinic has also started incorporating learners from the different services and plans to engage in clinical research soon.
A Commissioner for the Philadelphia Commission for Women, Dr. Farzana Rashid Hossain has also been strategizing with the Commission for ways the FIRST team can assist the Commission’s mission to improve the lives of Philadelphia’s women and girls.