Dr. Toni Pennington, MD

Dr. Toni Pennington, MD is a Obstetrics and Gynecology physician practicing at Emerald Coast OB/GYN - Panama City in Panama City, 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 Obstetrics and Gynecology 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 (850) 446-3839 to schedule.

Dr. Pennington joined Emerald Coast OB/GYN in August 2008, bringing over 20 years of dedicated experience in Obstetrics and Gynecology care. She earned her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School Of Medicine in 2004, followed by residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Florida - Jacksonville. Her comprehensive approach to women's health stems from her extensive training at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and her commitment to providing exceptional care extends to a commitment to personalized, professional, and state-of-the-art medical care. Dr. Pennington is Board Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has received multiple awards for teaching and research. She is a valued member of a dedicated team of seven board-certified physicians and five advanced registered nurse practitioners (including three nurse midwives), committed to providing exceptional women's health services. Dr. Pennington provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: Preventing complications during pregnancy requires early detection of pre-existing diabetes; regular checkups can help you manage your blood sugar and ensure a healthier outcome.
• Sexual Dysfunction: Preventing long-term sexual health problems starts with proactive conversations and addressing any concerns promptly.
• 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.
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Regular monitoring for PCOS can help prevent the development of serious health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life.
• Ovarian Pregnancy: Understanding your risk factors for ectopic pregnancies, including ovarian pregnancies, is crucial for preventive care, enabling timely interventions and reducing the risk of severe bleeding or infertility.
• 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.
• Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, and understanding its symptoms early allows for proactive management of hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances, improving your overall well-being.
• Pregnancy: Regular checkups throughout your pregnancy allow for early detection of potential problems and timely interventions.
• Breast Cancer: Lifestyle choices like maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer and promote overall well-being.
• Pap Smear Abnormalities: Regular Pap smears are a vital part of preventive care; an abnormality discovered early can be managed effectively, reducing your risk of cervical cancer.
• Uterine Cancer: Preventative care, including discussions with your OB/GYN about your individual risk factors, helps ensure timely detection and effective management of uterine cancer, preserving your health and well-being.
• Breast Abscess: Preventing complications from a breast abscess starts with understanding the risk factors and seeking medical care at the first sign of infection, promoting overall breast 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. Toni Pennington offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Rh Incompatibility Screening: This screening checks for a blood type mismatch between you and your baby, helping to prevent severe complications that can occur during pregnancy and delivery.
• Endocervical Curettage: To proactively safeguard your health, an endocervical curettage is a procedure used to detect early signs of cervical cancer or other cervical issues, allowing for prompt treatment.
• Trichomoniasis Screening: Regular trichomoniasis screenings are important for preventing long-term health problems associated with this common infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease.
• First Trimester Screening: Ensure your baby's well-being with first trimester screening—a combination of tests that check for potential genetic issues and chromosomal abnormalities during the critical early stages of pregnancy.
• Fluid Contrast Ultrasound: As a proactive step in your wellness journey, a fluid contrast ultrasound provides detailed images of your internal reproductive system, allowing for early diagnosis of conditions like cysts or fibroids, potentially avoiding more invasive procedures later.
• Gonorrhea Screening: Ensure your sexual health is in top shape with a gonorrhea screening. This test helps detect the presence of this infection and facilitates early treatment.
• Vaginal Prolapse Surgery: As a proactive measure to manage symptoms like pelvic pressure and urinary incontinence, vaginal prolapse surgery can significantly improve your comfort and quality of life.
• Pregnancy Non-Stress Test: Protecting your baby's health, a non-stress test is a crucial part of prenatal care that helps detect potential problems with your baby's heart rate.
• Vaginosis Screening: Protecting your reproductive health starts with vaginosis screening, which helps identify and treat bacterial imbalances before they cause serious problems.
• Laparoscopic Oophorectomy: To proactively manage certain health risks, a laparoscopic oophorectomy involves a small incision to remove ovaries, potentially preventing future ovarian cancer or managing existing conditions.
• C-Section: While aiming for a vaginal delivery, knowing about C-sections as a safe alternative ensures you're equipped to navigate unexpected challenges during labor.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: A pregnancy ultrasound is a safe and painless way to monitor your baby's growth and development, helping to identify potential issues early on.

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. Toni Pennington 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 checkups and working closely with their care team, a patient proactively managed their blood sugar levels, significantly reducing the risk of complications during pregnancy. This proactive approach ensured a healthy pregnancy and a positive outcome for both mother and baby.
• By openly discussing concerns and receiving personalized guidance, a patient gained valuable insights into maintaining healthy sexual function, fostering a sense of well-being and confidence.

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. Toni Pennington:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Toni Pennington?

Your first visit with Dr. Pennington is a collaborative partnership-building session. We will 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. Dr. Pennington follows the latest evidence-based recommendations and will create a personalized screening schedule for you. This schedule prioritizes early detection of any cervical changes that could lead to cancer.

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; no question is off-limits.

What's the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, often marked by irregular periods and initial symptoms. Menopause is the point when periods have stopped for 12 consecutive months. Dr. Pennington provides guidance through both stages.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth, and may impact fertility. Dr. Pennington can help manage your symptoms and create a personalized plan for your long-term health.

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 important, as it may increase your risk. Dr. Pennington can assess your risk and discuss whether earlier screenings or genetic testing, such as for BRCA genes, might be appropriate. She can create a proactive, personalized surveillance plan to help monitor your health.

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

The goal of a breast self-exam is to become familiar with how your breasts normally feel. Perform a breast self-exam monthly to recognize any changes, such as new lumps or skin changes. This is a valuable tool for breast self-awareness, but it's important to remember that it's a supplement to, not a replacement for, clinical exams and mammograms by Dr. Pennington.

What is endometriosis and how is it diagnosed?

Endometriosis is a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, often causing pelvic pain and potentially impacting fertility. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive history and physical exam, and may be confirmed with minimally invasive surgical procedures. Dr. Pennington is skilled in diagnosing and managing this complex condition.

Emerald Coast OB/GYN - Panama City
103 E 23rd St
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 446-3839

Dr. Toni Pennington, 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): 1780747584

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. Toni Pennington 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.