Melissa Rodriguez, PA-C

Melissa Rodriguez, PA-C is a Obstetrics and Gynecology physician assistant practicing at Ascension St. John Gynecologic Oncology in Celebration, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive OB/GYN care. Her experience managing high-risk OB/GYN patients, including preeclampsia, diabetes, and preterm labor, underscores her commitment to meticulous care and personalized treatment plans. She is adept at monitoring patient progress, reevaluating treatments as needed, and educating patients on diet, hygiene, and disease prevention. Dr. Melissa PA-C provides consultations primarily in English.

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, recognizing the unique needs of each stage of life. Dr. Melissa PA-C is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (407) 303-4220 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Melissa PA-C is a certified physician assistant with a Doctor of Medical Science degree from the University of Lynchburg and a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

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:

• Complex Multiple Pregnancy Issues: Regular checkups and specialized care during a multiple pregnancy are crucial for preventing serious complications such as premature birth or low birth weight.
• Fetal Disorders: Regular prenatal checkups are crucial for early detection and management of potential fetal disorders, helping ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
• Vaginal Cancer: Managing vaginal cancer effectively, through early detection and appropriate treatment, helps prevent further progression and improves long-term health and quality of life.
• Chronic Vaginitis: Early detection and treatment of chronic vaginitis are crucial for preventing discomfort, potential infections, and impact on overall sexual and reproductive health.
• Endometrial Cancer: Endometrial cancer, a cancer of the uterine lining, is best prevented through regular check-ups and screenings, allowing for early detection and treatment.
• Female Pelvic Disorders: Regular check-ups with your OB/GYN are crucial for early detection and management of pelvic disorders, preventing serious complications later in life.
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a condition where the baby is smaller than expected for their gestational age, and proactive management helps reduce potential long-term health issues for the child.

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:

• Fetal Monitoring: Taking a proactive role in your pregnancy journey, fetal monitoring helps detect potential complications, giving you and your healthcare provider peace of mind and ensuring the best possible outcome.
• da Vinci® Sacrocolpopexy: Taking a proactive approach to uterine prolapse and related pelvic issues, Da Vinci® Sacrocolpopexy is a advanced surgical option to improve comfort and quality of life.
• Childbirth: Take proactive steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery by scheduling regular prenatal appointments to screen for potential risks.
• Vaginosis Screening: Take charge of your wellbeing with vaginosis screening: a simple test that detects bacterial vaginosis, preventing potential complications and discomfort.
• Essure® Procedure: As a permanent form of birth control, the Essure® procedure offers a long-term solution for family planning.
• Embryo Cryopreservation: Protecting your future family, embryo cryopreservation safely stores viable embryos, providing a backup option for those undergoing IVF treatment.
• Sonohysterograms: As part of your proactive healthcare plan, consider a sonohysterogram. This specialized ultrasound provides detailed images of your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes to detect abnormalities that may otherwise go unnoticed.

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 attending all scheduled appointments and following the personalized care plan, a pregnant woman with a multiple pregnancy successfully navigated the unique challenges and delivered healthy, full-term babies.
• By attending regular prenatal checkups, a pregnant woman received early detection of a potential fetal disorder, allowing for timely intervention and a healthy pregnancy outcome. This proactive approach provided the family with peace of mind and a positive experience throughout their journey.

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 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 that could lead to cancer. Dr. Melissa PA-C follows the latest evidence-based 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, please feel free to discuss any concerns or questions you have, including your menstrual cycle, sexual health, birth control, future pregnancy plans, and any changes in your breast or pelvic health. We encourage open communication and proactive discussion of these important topics. No question is off-limits.

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 help you choose the best fit for you.

What's the difference between perimenopause and menopause?

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

Does Dr. Melissa PA-C manage high-risk pregnancies?

Dr. Melissa PA-C and our practice manage high-risk pregnancies, including those due to advanced maternal age, multiple gestations, or pre-existing health conditions. We work closely with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists when necessary to provide the best possible coordinated care for our patients.

What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, acne, and excess hair growth, and may impact fertility. Dr. Melissa PA-C can help with symptom management and long-term health planning.

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 recognize 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.

Ascension St. John Gynecologic Oncology
380 Celebration Pl
Celebration FL 34747
Phone: (407) 303-4220

Melissa Rodriguez, 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): 1255659405

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.