Dr. Joseph Francois, DO

Dr. Joseph Francois, DO is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at his clinic in Naples, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), prioritizing a patient-centered approach that focuses on prevention. 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. He serves all ages of women, from adolescence through menopause and beyond, and is committed to providing exceptional care in a supportive environment. Please call (239) 354-9900 to confirm if Dr. Francois is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Joseph Francois, DO is an obstetrician gynecologist in Naples, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine in 1996 and has been consistently recognized for his compassionate care and exceptional clinical knowledge. With over 25 years of dedicated experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. His approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Joseph Francois 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. Joseph Francois 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. Joseph Francois 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:

• Maternal Anemia: Maternal anemia, a deficiency of red blood cells during pregnancy, can be prevented through regular checkups and a healthy diet, ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both mother and baby.
• High Risk Pregnancy: A high-risk pregnancy means there are increased chances of complications for both the mother and baby, making early and consistent prenatal care crucial for preventing serious problems.
• Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Vaginal infections like vaginitis and vaginosis highlight the significance of preventive care; early identification and treatment can help avoid potential long-term health issues and discomfort.
• Hyperlipidemia: Managing high cholesterol through diet and exercise is essential for preventing future heart problems and ensuring a healthy pregnancy.
• Hypertension: Managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and medication, if needed, is crucial for preventing strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease later in life.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Managing PCOS through lifestyle changes and medical intervention helps prevent long-term health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, making preventive care crucial.
• Miscarriages: Managing pre-existing conditions like diabetes or thyroid issues before and during pregnancy can lessen the likelihood of miscarriage.
• Uterine Fibroids: Though many women experience no symptoms, regular screenings help detect uterine fibroids early, preventing potential complications like infertility or the need for major surgery.
• Menstrual Disorders: Preventive care includes monitoring your menstrual cycle for changes that could indicate problems like endometriosis or PCOS, allowing for early intervention and better management.
• Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, and early detection through prenatal screenings helps prevent complications for both you and your baby.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of an ectopic pregnancy are vital to protect your health and fertility, making regular reproductive health check-ups a key aspect of preventive care.
• Uterine Prolapse: Understanding your risk factors for uterine prolapse, such as vaginal childbirth, helps you take proactive steps to maintain pelvic floor health.

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. Joseph Francois offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Colporrhaphy: Colporrhaphy is a surgical option to address vaginal wall weakening, improving quality of life by preventing prolapse and its associated symptoms.
• Destruction or Excision of Vaginal Lesions: This procedure helps identify and address precancerous or cancerous changes in the vaginal tissue, promoting early intervention and improved outcomes.
• Dilation and Curettage: Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine the uterine lining for abnormalities, helping to diagnose and prevent potential problems early on.
• Endocervical Curettage: For early detection and prevention of cervical diseases, an endocervical curettage is a procedure that involves collecting a sample of cells from your cervix for examination.
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A laparoscopic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the uterus, often chosen to proactively manage severe uterine fibroids or endometriosis.
• Myomectomy: Taking proactive steps for your uterine health, a myomectomy is a surgery that removes fibroids, reducing the risk of complications and improving your quality of life.
• Rh Incompatibility Screening: Take a proactive step in your pregnancy journey by getting screened for Rh incompatibility, a simple test that can prevent serious health issues for your baby.
• Vaginal Delivery and VBAC: Choosing between vaginal delivery and VBAC involves a conversation with your healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective approach for you and your baby.

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. Joseph Francois 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 appointments and focusing on a nutritious diet, a pregnant woman proactively managed her iron levels, ensuring a healthy pregnancy for both herself and her baby. This proactive approach provided peace of mind and reduced the risk of complications associated with maternal anemia.
• By proactively addressing potential risks through regular prenatal check-ups, a pregnant woman significantly reduced the likelihood of complications, ensuring a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Joseph Francois:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Joseph Francois?

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

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, but the goal is early detection of cervical changes. Dr. Francois follows the latest evidence-based screening recommendations and will create a personalized schedule for you.

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

During your annual wellness exam, feel free to discuss any concerns about your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraception, future pregnancy plans, or changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of any topic, no matter how personal. Your health and well-being are our top priorities. We are here to address all your questions and concerns.

What are uterine fibroids and should I be concerned?

Uterine fibroids are very common, non-cancerous growths in the uterus. They are often asymptomatic, but can sometimes cause heavy bleeding or pain. Dr. Francois can help monitor them and discuss treatment options if they become problematic.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Francois offers many safe and effective birth control options, including hormonal methods like pills and IUDs, and non-hormonal options. The best choice is a personal one, and Dr. Francois will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to find the perfect fit for you.

What are the common symptoms of menopause I should be aware of?

Common menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. These are normal but treatable, and Dr. Francois can help you navigate this transition and maintain your quality of life.

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 contact Dr. Joseph Francois for a consultation so you don't have to suffer in silence.

I'm thinking about getting pregnant. What should I do to prepare?

Preparing for pregnancy is an excellent proactive step. A preconception counseling visit with Dr. Francois can help you discuss lifestyle factors, start folic acid, review current medications, and consider genetic carrier screening. Dr. Francois is happy to partner with you in optimizing your health for a future pregnancy.

5475 Golden Gate Pkwy Ste 1
Naples FL 34116
Phone: (239) 354-9900

Dr. Joseph Francois, 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): 1356408066

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. Joseph Francois 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.