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11 www.centrastate.com Spring 2014 * Statistics courtesy of the American Heart Association Meet the Doc: Tiffany Martinez, DO HPV... Are You Covered? by Tiffany Martinez, DO H uman papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can be passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. There are more than 100 types of HPV, and about 30 of these types infect the genital areas of men and women, which can lead to both genital warts and cervical cancer. This virus is primarily spread through sexual contact, but infection can occur even without intercourse. Contact with the virus on the inner thigh and buttocks is all that is needed to become infected. There are many types of HPV that cause genital warts, the two most common ones are type 6 and type 11. In addition, several types of HPV can cause cancers of the female genital tract, most commonly of the cervix. HPV type 16 and type 18 are the most common types that cause cervical cancer. When the cervix becomes infected with HPV, its cells become damaged and abnormal. In time, these abnormal cells can become cervical cancer. Cervical cancer screenings with routine pap smears can detect early signs of abnormal changes of the cervix, allowing for early treatment and the prevention of cervical cancer. HPV can also cause cancer of the vagina, anus, penis, and the head and neck. HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF? At Woman to Woman Physicians, we offer a vaccine that protects you against the four most common types of HPV—type 6, 11, 16, and 18. It is most effective when given before a woman is sexually active and exposed to HPV. Because of this, the HPV vaccine is recommended to women ages nine through 26. It is given in doses over a six- month period. No preparation is needed prior to the injection. The most common side effect of the vaccine is soreness in the arm where the injection was given. Medical Specialty: Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical School: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine (Stratford, NJ) Residency: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (Newark, NJ) What led you to the medical field? My very own pediatrician was a superhero in my eyes! There were so many kids waiting in his office to make them feel better. I knew that I wanted to be a doctor just like him one day. And he always told me I could do it, too. What interested you in obstetrics and gynecology specifically? What better job is there than to help bring life into the world? I have the honor of being present for the most amazing event in a woman's life. The very first birth that I witnessed literally took my breath away. I said out loud, "A few minutes ago, there were four people in this room, and now there are five." What is the most gratifying part of your job as a physician? The most gratifying part of my job is the smile after a woman receives her brand new baby. That sigh of relief knowing that the hard work paid off and the reward is absolutely perfect. It doesn't get any better than that. Office: Woman to Woman Physicians 901 West Main Street 2nd Floor, Suite 240 Freehold, NJ 07728 732-308-2255