Dr. Marlene Dookhan, MD

Dr. Marlene Dookhan, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist practicing at her clinic in Ocala, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. 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 (352) 351-7200 to schedule. It is my priority to provide care in an informed, comfortable, and supportive environment. I encourage and help my patients to participate in their healthcare decisions using my medical knowledge to assist in those decisions. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Dookhan earned her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 1991 and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Allegheny Gen Hospital. She is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Marlene Dookhan provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Anogenital Pruritis: Persistent itching in the genital area can signal an underlying problem, so early detection through regular checkups with your OB/GYN is crucial for preventing complications.
• Tubal Pregnancy: A tubal pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus, is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
• Ovarian Cancer: Regular checkups and screenings can help detect ovarian cancer early, when treatment is most effective, significantly improving your chances of a positive outcome.
• Breech Position: Early identification of a breech presentation during pregnancy allows for interventions like external cephalic version (ECV) or planning for a Cesarean section, potentially preventing complications during delivery.
• Excessive Menstrual Bleeding: Prolonged or unusually heavy periods can disrupt your daily life; preventive care helps identify the cause and find effective management strategies.
• Endometriosis: Managing endometriosis effectively through proactive healthcare can help reduce the risk of long-term complications like infertility and chronic pelvic pain.
• Bone Disorders: Proper nutrition and weight-bearing exercise are key to building and maintaining strong bones, reducing the risk of developing bone disorders and related health problems.
• Vaginitis or Vaginosis: Vaginitis and vaginosis are infections of the vagina that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health problems, emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups with your OB/GYN for early detection and treatment.
• Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Preventive strategies for hyperemesis gravidarum focus on early identification and treatment of symptoms to minimize its impact on pregnancy outcomes.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus): Regular Pap smears and HPV tests are crucial for early detection of HPV infections, enabling timely treatment and reducing the risk of serious complications like cervical cancer.
• Uterine Prolapse: Uterine prolapse is a condition where the uterus slips down into the vagina, and proactive pelvic floor exercises can help prevent or manage this.

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

• C-Section: Planning for a potential C-section empowers you to discuss potential risks and benefits with your OB/GYN, ensuring a safer birthing experience.
• Mammography: Protecting your future starts with a mammogram, a painless imaging test designed to screen for breast cancer and improve your odds of survival.
• Vaginal Prolapse Surgery: For women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, vaginal prolapse surgery is a surgical option to correct the condition and improve physical well-being.
• Laparoscopic Surgical Procedure: For precise surgical intervention with minimal invasiveness, a laparoscopic procedure ensures efficient treatment of various conditions, allowing you to resume normal activities sooner.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: Take charge of your health with Hepatitis B screening—a vital test that helps detect this potentially life-threatening virus and ensures timely intervention.
• Colporrhaphy: To proactively address pelvic floor issues, colporrhaphy strengthens the vaginal walls, reducing the risk of uncomfortable symptoms like organ prolapse and incontinence.
• Pregnancy Test: Ensure you are prepared for potential pregnancy by using a home pregnancy test and proactively planning for your health.
• STD Screening: Take charge of your sexual well-being with STD screenings; they help detect infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing complications.
• Tubal Ligation: Taking control of your family planning journey, tubal ligation is a surgical procedure to permanently block the fallopian tubes.
• Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Taking a proactive step towards better health, a laparoscopic hysterectomy involves a small incision to remove the uterus, helping alleviate symptoms like heavy bleeding or chronic pain.
• Amniocentesis: Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic procedure that helps detect potential birth defects and genetic abnormalities in your developing baby, allowing for early intervention and preparation.
• Sexually Transmitted Infections Screening: Regular STI screenings help detect infections early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing long-term health problems.

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. Marlene Dookhan 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 diligently following recommended screenings, a patient gained valuable peace of mind, knowing early detection significantly improved her chances of a positive outcome in managing her cervical cancer risk.
• By scheduling regular checkups with her OB/GYN, a patient identified and addressed anogenital itching early, preventing potential complications and gaining peace of mind.

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. Marlene Dookhan:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Marlene Dookhan?

Your first visit with Dr. Dookhan is designed to 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 that could lead to cancer. Dr. Dookhan 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 regarding 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 topics you'd like to address. No question is off-limits; your health and well-being are our top priorities.

What are my options for birth control?

Dr. Dookhan 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. Dookhan will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to find the perfect fit for you.

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. Dookhan's office to schedule 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. Dookhan can help optimize your health by discussing lifestyle choices, starting folic acid, reviewing medications, and considering genetic carrier screening. Dr. Dookhan is happy to partner with you in achieving optimal health for a future pregnancy.

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

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

How do I perform a breast self-exam, and how often should I do it?

The goal of a breast self-exam is breast self-awareness—knowing what's normal for your body. Perform it monthly to recognize any changes like new lumps or skin changes. It's a supplement to, not a replacement for, clinical exams by Dr. Dookhan and mammograms.

1500 SW 1st Ave
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 351-7200

Dr. Marlene Dookhan, MD 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): 1720166127

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. Marlene Dookhan 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.