Melissa Markham, PA-C

Melissa Markham, PA-C is an Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician Assistant practicing at HCA Florida Institute for Women's Health and Body - Okeechobee in Okeechobee, 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 (863) 763-8000 to schedule.

Dr. Melissa PA-C, born and raised in Okeechobee, FL, brings 20 years of experience in Gynecology to her practice. A graduate of the University of Florida, she earned her Bachelor degree in Mathematics in 1998 and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2001. She is passionate about providing care for women of all ages and committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Melissa PA-C is a member of the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants and resides in Okeechobee with her husband and two sons. She enjoys reading, supporting Gator athletics, and vacationing in the Keys. Dr. Melissa PA-C provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Melissa PA-C 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. Melissa PA-C 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. Melissa PA-C 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:

• 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.
• Small for Gestational Age: If your baby is small for gestational age, proactive management throughout pregnancy and after birth can significantly improve their health outcomes and reduce future complications.
• Premenstrual Syndrome: PMS symptoms, like mood swings and bloating, are manageable with preventive strategies, improving your quality of life and reducing potential health issues.
• Ovary Conditions: Regular checkups with your OB/GYN are crucial for early detection of ovary conditions, allowing for timely intervention and preventing potential complications.
• Female Orgasmic Disorder: Addressing difficulties with orgasm through open communication with your doctor enables early diagnosis and treatment, preventing any unnecessary distress or relationship strain.
• Genital Herpes: Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be managed effectively with early detection and treatment to prevent outbreaks and transmission to others.
• Ovarian Insufficiency, Familial: Familial ovarian insufficiency means a higher risk of early menopause due to inherited genes, making proactive monitoring of your reproductive health crucial.

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

• Colposcopy: Colposcopy is a screening procedure that helps detect and prevent cervical cancer by allowing for an in-depth examination of the cervix, leading to early diagnosis and treatment if needed.
• Intrauterine Device (IUD) Placement: Proactively manage your family planning by choosing IUD placement, a convenient and reliable form of contraception that can last for years.
• Bladder Repair Surgery: Proactively addressing bladder issues, this surgery can improve bladder support and reduce the risk of future incontinence problems.
• Amniocentesis: As a proactive step in your pregnancy journey, amniocentesis helps identify potential genetic issues with your baby, enabling early planning and treatment if necessary.
• Salpingectomy: A salpingectomy is a surgical procedure to remove your fallopian tubes, a proactive step to significantly reduce your risk of ectopic pregnancy and certain types of ovarian cancer.
• Mammography: Protecting your future starts with a mammogram, a painless imaging test designed to screen for breast cancer and improve your odds of survival.
• Ovarian Transposition (Oophoropexy): Consider ovarian transposition as a preventative strategy to safeguard your ovaries from the damaging effects of radiation, especially if you are facing pelvic cancer treatment and wish to preserve your fertility.

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. Melissa PA-C 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 discussing unusual menstrual symptoms with her healthcare provider, a patient received a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan, reducing the risk of future complications and improving her overall well-being.
• By diligently following the proactive health plan, a pregnant woman and her family felt reassured knowing their baby's development was being closely monitored, significantly reducing potential complications associated with Small for Gestational Age.

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. Melissa PA-C:

What can I expect during my first visit with Dr. Melissa PA-C?

Your first visit with Dr. Melissa PA-C 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 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 potential cervical changes, and Dr. Melissa PA-C follows the latest evidence-based recommendations. She 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, please 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 is important to us, and we are here to support you.

What are my options for birth control?

Many safe and effective birth control options exist, including hormonal methods like pills and IUDs, and non-hormonal options. Dr. Melissa PA-C will discuss your lifestyle, health history, and preferences to determine the best fit for you.

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

Experiencing urine leakage with coughing or exercise is very common, especially after childbirth. It's called stress incontinence, and it's not something you have to live with. Dr. Melissa PA-C can offer effective solutions, from pelvic floor therapy to simple procedures.

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 is normal for your body. Perform it monthly to notice any changes, such as new lumps or skin changes. It's important to remember that this is a supplement to, not a replacement for, clinical exams by Dr. Melissa PA-C and mammograms.

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. Melissa PA-C so you don't have to suffer in silence.

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. Melissa PA-C can recommend the appropriate tests based on your individual situation.

HCA Florida Institute for Women's Health and Body - Okeechobee
1812 US Highway 441 N Ste 230
Okeechobee FL 34972
Phone: (863) 763-8000

Melissa Markham, PA-C 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): 1043263700

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. Melissa PA-C 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.