Dr. Kerns to improve access to Women’s Healthcare in Brunswick

December 21, 2021

In an effort to improve access to care, James Kerns, MD, OB/GYN physician from Marshall Women’s Care, will begin seeing patients at Grand River Medical Clinic in Brunswick, Mo. Dr. Kerns has delivered more than 5,000 babies during his career, and as an Assistant Professor at the University Of Missouri Health Care Department Of Obstetrics, supervised many more deliveries by OBGYN residents in training programs.

According to a report entitled Health Disparities in Rural Women, published in February 2014 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, rural women experience poorer health outcomes and have less access to health care than urban women. Many rural areas have limited numbers of health care providers, especially women’s health providers. Fitzgibbon Hospital hopes to impact such health disparities in our area by allowing Dr. Kerns to provide care in Brunswick on the first and third Tuesday of every month beginning in January.

“We are the local provider for births for a large area around Marshall including Brunswick,” said Angy Littrell, President and CEO of Fitzgibbon Hospital. “When you are pregnant, especially as you are nearing your due date, it can be a challenge to drive to Marshall for your pre-natal appointments. That is why were are so thankful that Dr. Kerns can go to Brunswick for care for many of our moms-to-be living in that area.”

Access to prenatal care is just one of many benefits Dr. Kerns’ experience will bring to the area. Well-woman exams, urinary tract infection diagnoses and treatment, cervical cancer screening, consultation on contraception methods as well as sexually transmitted disease screening and treatment are all new services that will now be available at the Grand River Medical Clinic. In addition, many women experience irregular monthly periods or have abnormal bleeding that can be treated, though most women are unaware that treatment options are available.

To make an appointment to see Dr. Kerns at the Grand River Medical Clinic in Brunswick, call (660) 548-3161.  Dr. Kerns is also taking new patients at Marshall Women’s Care inside the Fitzgibbon Medical Clinic.  To make an appointment there, call (660) 886 7800 and choose option 4.