Meet Gretchen Augustine DO, Women's Care of WI

“Pretty much every visit I have with a patient starts the same way,” said Gretchen Augustine. “I ask them to tell me in their own words, in their own time, why they are here.”

Perhaps that’s why the Women’s Care of Wisconsin OB/GYN develops such a strong connection with them.

“Those first minutes in a first appointment are crucial,” said Augustine. “My patients know their bodies better than anyone else, so I provide them the time, opportunity and space to share what they’ve been through. Details they provide can be very powerful.”

The Michigan native actually started her career in journalism. Her decision to follow a very different path was rooted in being able to connect with people at a deeper level. She returned to school to pursue a degree in osteopathic medicine (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or DO). That means she’s trained exactly as an MD, but with additional training in manipulative medicine.

“An osteopath is trained to view the patient holistically, to take care of the patient’s mind, body and spirit,” Augustine said. “It’s about finding and treating the root causes of issues rather than simply assigning a medicine to fix a problem.”

A staunch advocate for patient empowerment, Augustine insists that the education of those she serves be a top priority in her practice.

“It’s important patients understand the best options available to them,” said Augustine. “And they need to be comfortable with the treatment and have confidence that it is right for them and that it will be successful.”

Fundamental to women’s medicine, said Augustine, is developing relationships.

“We take care of women throughout the spectrum of their lives, and those of us in the field embrace that role,” she said.

Her patients describe Augustine as genuine, kind, astute, supportive, and funny.

“I laugh with my patients a lot, and I think that’s important,” said Augustine. “Most important of all, though, is that my patients feel heard and know that we’ll be working together on a plan to get them to where they want to be.”

Dr. Gretchen Augustine sees patients at Women's Care of Wisconsin locations in Appleton and Shawano. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Augustine, please call or text 920.729.7105.