
Dr. Jillian Woodruff
Line One HostDr. Jillian Woodruff, also known as Dr. Jill, is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. She has the distinction of being able to converse with patients in 4 languages: English, Spanish, American Sign Language and conversational Mandarin Chinese.
At the early age of 7, Dr. Jill knew that she wanted to become a medical doctor. While watching a televised special on the St. Jude’s Cancer Research Hospital she was moved by the impact the doctors had on the lives of those for which they cared. Thus, she continued to pursue this dream while earning dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology with a Neuroscience focus and Spanish Literature from Duke University. She then earned her Medical Degree from the University of Kentucky, where her family is from. After marrying her college sweetheart, further training took them to New York City where she completed an OB/GYN Internship at Cornell University/NY Presbyterian Hospital and residency at Beth Israel Medical Center/Mt. Sinai.
Dr. Jill decided to become an Obstetrician and Gynecologist because she enjoys “providing care and education to patients throughout their lives”. She is also humbled by the role she plays in one of the most special events in her patients’ lives, the birth of their children. She has had the privilege of caring for women from different cultures and backgrounds, first in Brooklyn, NY where she practiced following residency; then in her 4 years working in the DC area at Kaiser Permanente.
She has a passion for providing medical care and other volunteer services abroad. She has volunteered in Guatemala and Mexico to educate patients as well as perform pelvic floor surgeries, remove large abdominal masses and surgically treat cervical abnormalities for indigent populations.
At home, in Anchorage, you will often find her interpreting for the Deaf at church, volunteering with the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. or shuttling her young children to and from activities. She also enjoys date nights with her husband, downhill skiing, reading and planning parties.
Over the years, her medical interests have evolved. Currently, she has a special interest in bio-identical hormone therapy, she is happy to offer a service that helps women “feel better as we age, not just normalizes our lab values.” She also focuses on cosmetic gynecology, as “it is important to us to feel better and look better. “ A continued interest is the evaluation and treatment of heavy vaginal bleeding, specifically treated with office based and minimally invasive procedures. Modern Gynecology was created to provide a space for women to feel valued and heard while providing advanced gynecologic care. Dr. Jill states, “my goal is to deliver a personalized women’s care experience. I am board certified, but I am not your traditional gynecologist. I will provide cutting edge medical care in a relaxing spa setting.”
Dr. Jillian Woodruff is thrilled to join Alaska Public Media as the new Co-host of Line One. She is looking forward to connecting with the listening audience and sharing answers and education from our experts. Dr. Jill does not shy away from sensitive subjects, she is grateful for the opportunity to have a dialogue about the health concerns that affect us.
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Approximately 1 in 5 heterosexual couples struggle to achieve pregnancy after 1 year of trying to conceive in the U.S. Only 12% of women use fertility services to receive help conceiving a child. In Alaska we have not had access to specialized assisted reproductive procedures that are now available. What are the causes of infertility? When should you see an infertility specialist? What help is available to achieve pregnancy? Dr. Jillian Woodruff and her guest share these answers with you to help achieve a healthy pregnancy.
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HIV/AIDS diagnoses have decreased by 8% in the US. In Alaska there are approximately 700 people living with this disease. By decreasing the associated stigma and shame we can better serve those living with the disease while continuing to decrease and eliminate its incidence.
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Hormones are messages that travel through the bloodstream to relay instructions to the body that control many functions. They are often prescribed in situations where our bodies are not providing enough for us to function at our best. Hormones also naturally decline as we age which may poorly affect our overall quality of life and health. Men also experience a decline in testosterone and other hormones, and replacement is just as important for them as it is for women.
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Children in Alaska are sometimes affected by unique pediatric endocrine disorders like rickets, precocious or delayed puberty, short stature, thyroid dysfunction and pituitary gland disorders.
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Since the landmark women’s hormone study of 2002, even some doctors are intimidated by the prescription hormones used to balance levels and resolve these symptoms.
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What is the key to nutrition and fitness that eludes us? Does one specific diet exist that is guaranteed to lead to health and wellness?
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In Alaska, patients must travel out of state for advanced infertility treatment. Fortunately, there are infertility services to bridge this gap and provide much needed evaluation and treatment options within the state.
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In the Black, Indigenous and People of Color community, mistrust of the COVID-19 vaccine is deeply rooted and extends to vaccines, medical treatments and even hospitals.
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The field of functional medicine works to find and treat the root cause of diagnoses and not just the diagnoses themselves. Is it the key to a long and healthy life?
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Diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety and addiction are unfortunately common problems that threaten healthy pregnancies.