Dr. W Patrick Duff, MD

Dr. W Patrick Duff, MD is an Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at UF Health Women's Center - Medical Plaza in Gainesville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His practice is deeply rooted in preventive health, recognizing your OB/GYN as your primary partner in creating a long-term wellness plan, coordinating essential screenings, and managing 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 guiding patients through every stage of their reproductive health journey. Dr. Duff is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (352) 265-8200 to schedule your appointment.

With over 50 years of dedicated experience, Dr. Duff brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in 1974 and completed an internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1975. Further specializing, he pursued fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine at the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1978. Dr. Duff is Board Certified in Maternal & Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology. He is a professor at the University of Florida Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, previously serving as an associate dean for student affairs for the UF College of Medicine. His extensive experience includes roles at various major Army teaching centers, culminating in his directorship of obstetrics at Madigan Army Medical Center. Dr. Duff's clinical interests encompass a wide range of OB/GYN concerns, including amniocentesis, preeclampsia, fetal heart monitoring, and birth defect prevention. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Genital Herpes: Managing genital herpes through antiviral medication and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks, ultimately improving your overall well-being and reproductive health.
• Dysmenorrhea: Understanding and managing dysmenorrhea, or painful periods, through preventive measures like lifestyle changes and medication can significantly improve your quality of life and prevent long-term complications.
• Menstrual Disorders: Don't ignore unusual menstrual symptoms; seeking help promptly from your doctor can help prevent serious health issues and improve your overall well-being.
• Breech Position: Regular prenatal care helps detect if your baby is in a breech position, giving you and your doctor time to explore different delivery options to reduce potential risks during labor.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Taking proactive steps to prevent STDs, such as using barrier methods and getting tested, empowers you to take control of your sexual health.
• Placenta Previa: Regular prenatal checkups are crucial for early identification of placenta previa, allowing for careful planning and management to reduce the risk of severe bleeding.
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Preventing complications associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) starts with consistent prenatal care, enabling early diagnosis and allowing healthcare providers to create a tailored management plan.
• Cervical Polyps: Managing cervical polyps, often through simple removal, is a key aspect of preventive women's health, ensuring reproductive health and preventing future complications like abnormal bleeding or infertility.
• Atrophic Vaginitis: Don't ignore vaginal dryness and discomfort – these could be signs of atrophic vaginitis, a manageable condition when diagnosed early, so schedule a check-up with your doctor.
• Chlamydia Infections: Preventive care includes regular STI testing, which is essential for catching and treating chlamydia before it causes 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. W Duff offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• C-Section: A C-section can be a planned or emergency procedure, and discussing your options with your doctor helps prepare you for different birth scenarios.
• Salpingectomy: Protecting your future health, a salpingectomy involves the removal of your fallopian tubes, helping prevent ovarian cancer and improving your overall well-being.
• Amniocentesis: To proactively assess your baby's health, amniocentesis involves a small sample of amniotic fluid being taken to screen for chromosomal conditions and certain genetic defects.
• Vaginal Delivery and VBAC: Proactively discuss vaginal delivery and the possibility of VBAC with your doctor to explore the best path toward a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
• Pregnancy Ultrasound: Pregnancy ultrasounds provide crucial visual information about your pregnancy, enabling early detection of potential complications and guiding necessary interventions.
• 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.
• Birth Control: Empower yourself with informed choices about your body by discussing birth control options with your healthcare provider to find the best fit for your individual circumstances.
• Nuchal Translucency Screening: To help ensure a healthy pregnancy, nuchal translucency screening uses ultrasound to assess your baby's risk for conditions like Down syndrome.
• Obstetric Ultrasound: By getting regular obstetric ultrasounds, you can actively participate in your baby's healthcare journey, helping to identify potential issues early and improve the chances of a healthy outcome.
• Salpingo Oopherectomy: Taking a proactive role in your health, a salpingo-oophorectomy can be a surgical option to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes, thereby reducing the risk of cancer in these areas.
• Tubal Ligation: Tubal ligation is a permanent birth control procedure that proactively prevents future pregnancies.
• Colporrhaphy: As a preventative measure for pelvic organ prolapse, colporrhaphy surgery tightens the vaginal tissues, supporting the uterus, bladder, and rectum.

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. W Duff 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 scheduling regular checkups and open communication with her OB/GYN, a woman proactively managed potential vaginitis or vaginosis concerns, ensuring her comfort and overall well-being.
• By proactively discussing her symptoms with a healthcare provider, a woman gained valuable insights into perimenopause, allowing her to confidently navigate the transition and manage any potential challenges. This proactive approach fostered a sense of well-being and empowered her to make informed choices about her health.

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. W Duff:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. W Duff?

Your first visit with Dr. Duff 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. The goal is early detection of any cervical changes, and Dr. W. Duff follows the latest evidence-based recommendations. She will create a personalized screening 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, including your menstrual cycle, sexual health, contraceptive needs, future pregnancy plans, or changes in breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of any topic that's important to you. No question is off-limits.

Does Dr. W Duff manage high-risk pregnancies?

Dr. Duff's practice manages high-risk pregnancies, including those complicated by advanced maternal age, multiple gestations, or pre-existing health conditions. We work closely with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists to provide comprehensive, coordinated care for these pregnancies, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

I'm experiencing leakage of urine when I cough or exercise. Is this normal?

This is a very common issue, called stress incontinence, especially after childbirth. It's not something you have to live with; Dr. Duff can offer many effective solutions, from pelvic floor therapy to simple procedures.

What is endometriosis and how is it diagnosed?

Endometriosis is a condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, sometimes causing pelvic pain and potentially affecting fertility. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical exam, and may be confirmed with minimally invasive surgery. Dr. W Duff is skilled in diagnosing and managing this complex condition.

Are painful periods normal?

While mild cramping can be normal, severe, debilitating pain is not. This could be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. W Duff 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. Duff can help discuss lifestyle factors, recommend starting folic acid, review current medications, and consider genetic carrier screening. Dr. Duff is happy to be a partner in optimizing your health for a future pregnancy.

UF Health Women's Center - Medical Plaza
1549 Gale Lemerand Dr # 4
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-8200

Dr. W Patrick Duff, 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): 1285655985

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. W Duff 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.