Dr. Heather Russo, DO

Dr. Heather Russo, DO is a Obstetrics and Gynecology physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at HCA Florida West Women's Health - 7th Floor in Pensacola, FL. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Your OB/GYN is your primary partner in preventive health, collaborating with you to create a long-term wellness plan, coordinate essential screenings, and manage your overall health, ensuring you thrive for years to come. She serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (407) 987-2903 to schedule.

Dr. Heather Russo, DO is an obstetrician gynecologist in Pensacola, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida West Hospital. She is accepting new patients. Dr. Russo's commitment to patient-centered care stems from her rigorous medical training at recognized institutions. Following medical school, she completed an internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida College of Medicine, further specializing through a fellowship at the University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine. This comprehensive training has equipped her with the expertise to provide exceptional care for women throughout their lives. Dr. Russo's approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and focused on empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health, fostering a supportive and understanding environment. Dr. Heather Russo provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Heather Russo is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Heather Russo can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Heather Russo provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Gestational Diabetes: Preventive care during pregnancy includes screening for gestational diabetes, which helps ensure a healthy pregnancy and reduces the chance of complications for your baby.
• Nipple Discharge: Nipple discharge can be a sign of various conditions, some serious. Regular check-ups and reporting this symptom allows for timely diagnosis and appropriate management.
• Female Infertility: Preventive measures, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle and addressing underlying medical conditions, are vital to prevent or mitigate the challenges associated with female infertility.
• Preeclampsia: By understanding your risk factors and engaging in preventive measures like maintaining a healthy weight and managing chronic conditions, you can lower your chances of developing preeclampsia.
• Acute Vaginitis: Catching acute vaginitis early through self-awareness and regular OB/GYN visits is crucial for preventing discomfort and potential spread of infection.
• Encounters for Normal Pregnancies: Even in normal pregnancies, consistent monitoring can help spot potential issues early and prevent complications that might arise later.
• High Risk Pregnancy: Careful management of a high-risk pregnancy through regular check-ups and proactive interventions significantly reduces the likelihood of premature birth, low birth weight, and other adverse outcomes.
• Coagulation Defects in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Preventing complications during pregnancy and postpartum is vital, and managing any blood clotting problems is a key part of this.
• Fallopian Tube Disorders: Managing existing fallopian tube conditions through appropriate medical care, helps to minimize the risk of long-term health complications and preserves reproductive health.
• Cervical Cancer: Protecting yourself from cervical cancer starts with understanding your risk factors and participating in recommended screenings, as early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Managing UTIs promptly with appropriate treatment helps prevent recurring infections, protecting your overall urinary health and well-being.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Many STDs are easily treatable if caught early, significantly reducing the risk of lasting damage to your reproductive system.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Heather Russo offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Pregnancy Ultrasound: Pregnancy ultrasounds provide crucial visual information about your pregnancy, enabling early detection of potential complications and guiding necessary interventions.
• Destruction or Excision of Lesion of Cervix (incl. LEEP): This procedure removes abnormal cervical tissue to prevent the development of cervical cancer.
• Incontinence Sling Procedure: An incontinence sling procedure is a surgical option to proactively address urinary incontinence, helping you regain bladder control and improve your quality of life.
• Tubal Ligation: Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control procedure that proactively prevents future pregnancies.
• Obstetric Ultrasound: Take a proactive step in ensuring a healthy pregnancy with an obstetric ultrasound; it allows early detection of potential problems, enabling timely interventions.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) Placement: An IUD placement is a proactive measure for women seeking a long-term, reversible contraceptive option, minimizing the need for frequent visits to refill prescriptions or other measures.
• Oophorectomy: Facing a high risk of ovarian cancer or managing specific health problems, an oophorectomy is a proactive surgical option to remove one or both ovaries and potentially prevent future issues.
• Endometrial Ablation: If heavy bleeding is impacting your daily life, endometrial ablation can be a proactive measure to lessen the symptoms and enhance your overall health.
• Hysteroscopy: As a proactive step for women's health, a hysteroscopy provides a detailed view of your uterine lining, facilitating early diagnosis of conditions that may affect fertility or overall wellness.
• Salpingo Oopherectomy: If you are at high risk for ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, a salpingo-oophorectomy is a surgical procedure that can be considered as a proactive step to significantly reduce your cancer risk.
• Birth Control: Proactively manage your menstrual cycle, reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancies, and improve overall reproductive health by choosing a suitable birth control method.
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: For women experiencing debilitating symptoms from uterine conditions, a laparoscopic hysterectomy offers a less invasive surgical option to remove the uterus and improve quality of life.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Obstetrics and Gynecology in Florida.

Dr. Heather Russo is dedicated to partnering with women and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Woman's life:

• By attending regular prenatal screenings, a pregnant woman proactively identified and managed potential gestational diabetes risk factors, ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both herself and her baby. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and reduced the likelihood of complications.
• A patient, noticing a subtle nipple discharge, promptly scheduled a check-up, leading to a quick diagnosis and reassurance that the issue was easily managed.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Obstetrics and Gynecology care with Dr. Heather Russo:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Heather Russo?

Your first visit with Dr. Russo is a collaborative partnership-building session. We will review your detailed health history, discuss your health goals and concerns, and create a plan for future screenings. This is a safe and confidential space to ask any questions.

How often do I need a Pap smear and HPV test?

Guidelines for Pap smears and HPV tests vary based on age and risk factors. Dr. Russo follows the latest evidence-based recommendations and will create a personalized schedule for you to ensure early detection of any potential cervical changes.

What kind of topics should I bring up during my annual wellness exam?

During your annual wellness exam, feel free to discuss any concerns or questions you have, including your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, future pregnancy plans, and any changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of your overall well-being. No question is off-limits.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth, and may impact fertility. Dr. Russo can help with symptom management and long-term health planning.

I'm concerned about STIs. What screenings are available?

We understand your concern about STIs. Confidential screenings are available for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. Dr. Russo can recommend appropriate tests based on your individual situation.

Are painful periods normal?

While mild cramping can be normal, severe, debilitating pain is not. It could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Heather Russo so you don't have to suffer in silence.

At what age should I start getting mammograms, and how often?

Mammogram recommendations generally start at age 40, but can vary based on family history and personal risk factors. Dr. Russo will assess your individual risk to recommend the most appropriate screening schedule to ensure early detection of breast cancer.

I have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. What does that mean for me?

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer is a significant concern, and we understand your question. This may mean you need to start screenings earlier or consider genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes. Dr. Russo can help assess your risk and create a proactive, personalized surveillance plan.

HCA Florida West Women's Health - 7th Floor
8333 N Davis Hwy # 7
Pensacola FL 32514
Phone: (407) 987-2903

Dr. Heather Russo, DO is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1396365862

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Obstetrics and Gynecology like Dr. Heather Russo are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your obstetrics and gynecology about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.