A leader in the field of paediatric and adolescent gynaecology is caring for patients with gynaecological concerns right here on the Bass Coast.
Professor Sonia Grover - the Director of Gynaecology at the Royal Children's Hospital - provides care to infants, children and adolescents with a variety of problems, from skin irritation and pain, to genital appearance, heavy or painful periods and more.
She also helps with unusual symptoms that specifically occur around period time, from increased asthma, to diarrhoea, epilepsy and even anaphylaxis.
"I understand that adolescence can be a challenging time in a person's life, especially with the physical and mental changes that it brings, and that teenagers can feel uncomfortable discussing medical matters," Sonia said.
"I provide empathetic, experienced and contemporary care to young people so that they may return to enjoying fulfilling and healthy lives as soon as possible."
Sonia established paediatric and adolescent gynaecology at the Royal Children's Hospital over 30 years ago, growing it from a tiny service to a very busy one providing advice, care and training to not just Victorians but also patients from Australia-wide and overseas.
"There are no regional centres in Victoria providing this care, and in some states and territories in Australia, this service is still limited to a small clinic monthly only in the capital city," Sonia said.
"I'm proud to be providing this service to the young people of the Bass Coast, having been consulting from the Phillip Island Health Hub at Cowes for two years now, and operating at Wonthaggi Hospital. This service enables people to be seen closer to their homes, which eases the stress and cost of travelling.
"There's such high demand for the gynaecological services at the Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) so I have been delighted to be able to redirect referrals to BCH, reduce the pressure on RCH clinics and provide a more convenient service for local patients and their families."
Sonia's breadth of experience helps to inform her personal approach to care.
"I've long been involved in the care of young women with disabilities and the challenges they face with menstrual issues," she said.
"I'm also involved in the care of young and adult people with gender dysphoria in Melbourne and am only too happy to see them at Bass Coast Health."
As a general gynaecologist and pain medicine specialist, Sonia also consults adults, drawing on her specific interest and research work in pelvic pain, as well as bleeding disorders.
To consult Prof Grover, please ask your GP to send a referral to Bass Coast Health's Access intake team on access@basscoasthealth.org.au