TOP YOUNG PHYSICIANS CHOOSE TO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
where she also received biliary training in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Dr. Totten came to St. Clair in September and joined the five-physician practice group Southwest Gastroenterology Associates, a well-established group that has been in the South Hills for more than 30 years. “St. Clair has a reputation in this region as an outstanding hospital and one with 24/7 hospitalist coverage,” says Dr. Totten. “I wanted to serve the community that I grew up in. When I was looking for practice opportunities, I focused my job search on groups that came to St. Clair. Working at St. Clair allows me the opportunity to care for the people in the South Hills.” She adds, “St. Clair provides a wonderful patient-centered environment. The physicians, nurses, and other staff members are all dedicated to providing the best in patient care. I know that when I send my patients to St. Clair they will get excellent care from the professional, friendly nursing staff and the hospitalists who provide round-the-clock care. The Hospital offers a wide and impressive
DR. JENNIFER TOTTEN, Gastroenterology, Southwest Gastroenterology Associates
range of comprehensive services.” Dr. Totten has a particular interest in preventative health and women’s gastrointestinal health. She encourages her patients
r. Totten, a graduate of Upper St. Clair High School, has
to be mindful of their health and nutrition and to stay up-to-date
had an interest in science and medicine since she was very
with screening guidelines, such as colonoscopy to detect colorectal
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young. In fact, for as long as she can remember, she always wanted to be a doctor because she loves helping people. While in high
cancer. A Mt. Lebanon resident, Dr. Totten says her future career plans
school and college, her interest in medicine was further solidified
are to continue to build her practice in the South Hills. She hopes to
while doing clinical research at the University of Pittsburgh Medical
establish a women’s health clinic, which would cater to the specific
Center during the summer.
GI needs of women in the community.
“I felt that being in medicine would allow me to give back
“Other interests that I would like to focus on include education
something to the community and make a difference. I was also drawn
about the benefits of early detection of colorectal cancer in both
to the variety and complexity that medicine provides. Each day brings
men and women, and to dispel some of the misconceptions regarding
new and interesting experiences,” she says.
colonoscopy,” she says. “I have a particular interest in inflammatory
After earning her bachelor of science in Science Pre-Professional Studies and a minor in Theology at the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Totten attended the University of Rochester School of Medicine in New York. It was at the University of Rochester where Dr. Totten was trained in the Biopsychosocial model of medicine. This model emphasizes treating all aspects of the patient and not just a specific disease.
bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and biliary tract disease, and plan to continue to focus on these during my career.”
JENNIFER TOTTEN, M.D. is board certified in internal medicine. She earned her medical degree at University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, completed a residency in internal medicine at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, as well as a fellowship in gastroenterology at Allegheny General Hospital. Dr. Totten practices with Southwest Gastroenterology Associates.
“The Biopsychosocial model is an approach to patient care that takes into account the psychological, interpersonal, and societal
To contact Dr. Totten, please call 724.941.3020.
influences that affect a particular patient’s health. I use the principles of this model in my practice every day when I am treating my
HEALTH TIP: “Stay up-to-date with your health care maintenance,
patients,” she says.
eat a well-balanced diet high in whole grains,
She completed her internal medicine residency at the University
fruits, and vegetables, take some time each day
of Pittsburgh Medical Center with a focus on Women’s Health, and
just for yourself, and keep a positive attitude,”
then did a gastroenterology fellowship at Allegheny General Hospital
says Dr. Totten.
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