Dr. Cecilia Mathis has a Heart for Women’s Health
Cecilia Mathis, MD, has been with the Anderson County Hospital Family Care Center for nearly a year. During that time, she has enjoyed reconnecting with her home community and getting to know her growing panel of patients and their families.
As a family medicine physician, Dr. Mathis specializes in providing quality care for men, women, and children of all ages.
As a woman and as a mother, she has a keen interest in caring for other women, helping to navigate the many changes women experience throughout their lifetime and the unique challenges and health concerns they may face.
“As a family doctor, we are trained to provide care throughout all life stages, but it’s so much more than that,” said Dr. Mathis. “There’s always a lot to consider, and even more so for women. It’s important for me to build a trusting relationship with each of my patients and not only care for their physical needs, but also consider the connected emotional, social, and spiritual aspects that impact their overall well-being and quality of life.”
Puberty
“So many changes occur in the female body during puberty,” said Dr. Mathis. “Every child is different. When you start to see those changes, typically between the ages of 12 – 15, it’s a good time to check in.”
A primary care provider can help a young patient understand what changes are happening and why, what to expect, and what’s not normal.
Reproductive age
As women enter their childbearing years, the family provider is often the first point of contact to confirm a pregnancy or discuss concerns about infertility.
Dr. Mathis provides preconception counseling for women hoping to become pregnant, along with any initial imaging, lab work, and confirmatory pregnancy tests. She will discuss options and assist with referrals for specialized fertility or labor and delivery services, helping to identify care options that best meet the patient’s and their family’s needs.
Dr. Mathis is also trained on some of the latest contraceptive treatments and in-office procedures.
“When it comes to contraception, there are many options available,” said Mathis. “I can share the risks and benefits of various treatments in relation to personal medical history and fertility goals, providing education so my patients can feel confident in making a choice that’s right for them.”
Menopause and post-menopause
As a woman ages, her health care needs continue to change.
“Women who are nearing menopause may experience a wide variety of symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes, sleep interference, irregular bleeding, and weight gain,” said Dr. Mathis. “These symptoms can last many years, so it’s important to talk with your provider about any changes you’re experiencing and how you feel.”
You don’t have to suffer through menopause. There are various treatment options available to help manage symptoms and your provider can help determine what treatment options might be best.
“With each milestone comes new recommendations for preventive screenings and immunizations,” said Dr. Mathis. “Any time you notice a change, even something that may seem insignificant, it’s a good time to schedule a checkup with your provider and make sure you’re on the right track.”
When asked about her best advice, Dr. Mathis shared, “While you might feel healthy, it’s so important to schedule annual wellness and well-woman exams with your primary care provider.”
“We can recommend preventive screenings and help identify and address any health issues early when they are most easily and effectively treated,” she said. “Simply getting in the habit of an annual checkup is the best way to stay on top of your overall health.”
Call the Family Care Center at 785-448-2674 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mathis for:
- Annual wellness and well-woman checkups
- Preconception counseling and family planning
- Menopause and perimenopause management
- Acute and chronic illness management
- Coordinating care with specialists
Dr. Mathis grew up in Richmond, Kansas, and graduated from Central Heights High School. She attended Kansas State University in Manhattan before earning her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Salina.
While in medical school, Dr. Mathis completed part of her clinical rotations at the Family Care Center in Garnett. She later returned, with a husband and three young children in tow, to begin her career right where she calls home. And we’re so glad she did.