Caring for women and girls of all ages

I’m Dr. Diane Snyder, Board Certified Ob/Gyn with a Focused Practice in Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology.

During medical school, I was debating between pediatrics and Ob/Gyn and for a variety of reasons chose Ob/Gyn. During my residency training, I was introduced to the sub-specialty of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (PAG) by one of my attending physicians and knew it was an area I wanted to pursue. During my last year of residency, I did an elective rotation at Boston Children’s Hospital which really introduced me to the field. I ended up not doing a fellowship and started to slowly incorporate younger patients into my practice.

Once I stopped practicing Obstetrics in 2002, I was able to focus more on this age group. I started giving lectures to pediatric groups as well as in middle and high schools.

Joining the North American Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG) has been most helpful with monthly journals, international listserve, and annual National conferences. This is a group of many specialties that focuses on delivering medical care to pediatric and adolescent females.

PAG covers many medical and gynecologic conditions and some diagnoses that can be devastating to a young patient (Premature ovarian insufficiency or Mullerian anomalies) and I find it extremely gratifying to be a part of the care journey for these patients.

Helping young women manage their contraceptive choices, feel positive about their sexuality, and improve their menstrual disorders are but a few of the things I love about pediatric and adolescent gynecology.

Dr. Levav is Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology. After completing her education at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA, Dr. Levav pursued her residency in Ob-Gyn at the Medical Center of Delaware. Notably, she was recognized as the best Resident Instructor during her time there. Dr. Levav’s contributions to the medical field are evident through her published research in the American Journal of Gerontology and the American Journal of Perinatology – where she has showcased her expertise, presenting research on the management of cervical dysplasia and abnormal Paps.

Prior to joining Women’s Health Specialists in Maryland, Dr. Levav practiced in New York for 6 years. Her diverse background, which includes counseling and mentoring teenagers, has fostered a special interest in addressing the unique health concerns of young women. Furthermore, her extensive experience as a health and fitness instructor, coupled with her research in diabetes and nutrition, significantly informs her compassionate approach to caring for women’s health issues. She has a particular focus on contraception, abnormal Paps, abnormal bleeding, and menopausal issues.

With her wealth of experience and warm demeanor, Dr. Levav is truly an invaluable asset to Women’s Health Specialists. She consistently upholds a genuine commitment to providing expert care that precisely meets the individual needs of her patients.

What is your care philosophy?
Listening to my patients in an open, non-judgemental manner, allows me a deep understanding of their symptoms and concerns leading to the most accurate diagnosis and best treatment plan. Leveraging my empathic personality, I know a little compassion and understanding go a long way to build the patient’s trust in me as their practitioner. I spend the time necessary to explain diagnoses and treatments to patients so they fully comprehend their visit. There are a wide variety of solutions to medical issues in addition to medicine and I am well versed in holistic approaches offering my patients options while helping them to choose the best plan.

What inspired you to pursue a career in gynecology?
Combining my degrees in Nutritional Sciences and Physician Assistant, I discovered that Obstetrics/Gynecology was a field where I could have a large impact in the lives of women. That impact is amplified when you consider the very personal nature of sexuality. I strive to make my patients comfortable enough to talk openly about their most personal issues without making them feel “awkward.” Even as a child I was interested in medicine and was attracted to how “women’s issues” interact with the entire body.

What distinguishes Women’s Health Specialists from other practices?
Women’s Health Specialists is a multifaceted gynecology practice dealing with all women’s health issues from pediatric to geriatric. Our practitioners have a wide variety of interests and specialties including pediatric gynecology, gynecologic oncology, and minimally invasive surgeries. My personal special interests include adolescent gynecology, geriatric gynecology, and pessaries to help women with vaginal prolapse or urinary incontinence.

If you weren’t a Physician Assistant, what would you be?
“A therapist. Speaking with people and really listening to them heals them. I get to utilize these skills in my practice everyday. I love my profession and building long term relationships with my patients. I’m grateful to have had patients for over 20 years and gotten the opportunity to know them and their families, their trials and successes.