Meredith Kapner, MD, FACOG

What is your care philosophy?
I believe in providing holistic, nonjudgmental, and patient-centered care. I am committed to providing the safest environment possible and always listening to my patients with an open heart and mind. I aspire to create healing and meaningful relationships with my patients, and be an integral, long-term resource in their lives. I am also dedicated to mind-body medicine and incorporating complementary therapies into my practice when appropriate, for example acupuncture, yoga, and massage. I strive to provide the least invasive options possible in both my gynecology and obstetrics practices.

What inspired you to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology?
Caring for birthing people is my calling. I have wanted to be an OBGYN since childhood. I was raised by strong, inspiring women and have been driven throughout my life by the strength they have imparted. To me there is no higher privilege than caring for birthing people in the most joyful and or challenging moments of their lives.

What improvements to women’s care have you seen since you began practicing medicine?
Forceps delivery and vaginal hysterectomy had gone out of favor and yet are now being recognized as ways to prevent cesarean delivery and reduce surgical risks. I feel lucky to be among the limited number of OBGYN’s that have developed the skills to perform these minimally invasive techniques, as well as newer cutting-edge options, to provide women the best and safest options available today.

Another positive change I’ve witnessed is slowly improving care for minority groups. Over a decade ago I worked at Fenway Community Health in Boston organizing health outreach programs for the LGBTQ community. I’ve been amazed to see the difference in awareness and access to LGBTQ healthcare over the last 10+ years, although there is still a long way to go in educating healthcare providers and overcoming systemic biases.

Are you from the DC area?
Proudly! I’m a fourth generation DMV resident. In fact, I worked at Holy Cross Hospital on Labor and Delivery when I was 16 years old! I have deep connections to the area, and absolutely love the food, arts, and culture in Washington, DC. The majority of my family is local, too!

What is your best advice for new parents?
Do not feel pressured by others’ strong opinions about parenting. Pregnancy and parenting choices are deeply personal and only you know what’s best for you and your family. Pregnancy and childbirth are obviously periods of enormous transition. Be open-minded and flexible. And don’t sweat the small stuff!

What are your best tips for staying healthy?
Eat colorfully, reduce sugar and processed foods, and exercise in a way that makes you feel good. Fight feeling guilty about your choices, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if think you might need it. I believe our emotional health is as important as our physical health. I encourage my patients to have a mindfulness practice. This means focusing on being present, even if you don’t have time to do anything more than drive with the windows down to feel the wind on your face. You can be mindful about washing dishes or doing laundry. Stress and anxiety have a big impact on health, and small changes can have a huge benefit.

What distinguishes your practice from others?
I’ve been recognized for my skills in surgery and have experience with many innovative, minimally invasive techniques. I am open to complementary and alternative therapies, as well as natural childbirth. I am also experienced in treating patients with sexual dysfunction and vulvar disorders.

At the same time, I am grateful to be a part of a diverse practice with other stellar OBGYN’s. I deeply trust and respect my colleagues, and feel fortunate that we can share our various areas of expertise with our patients.

If I wasn’t a doctor, I’d be…?
A chef! I’ve always thought of cooking as my creative outlet and a way to express love to my family and friends. I love working with my hands and creating food that is vibrant, healthy, and delicious. Truth is, though, I can’t imagine being anything other than a birthing people’s health provider. I am blessed to love my field and truly look forward to coming to work every single day.