Meet the Doctor

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I. Monet Ouwinga, M.D, or simply, Dr. O

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER AT OT FAMILY MEDICINE?
We are a family medicine practice that sees patients of all ages, infants as young as newborns to geriatrics. My practice also offers an array of added services – from physical examinations for school or employment to Botox and fillers to substance abuse treatment, all in a family friendly atmosphere. It’s such an honor to be a part of all of our patients’ lives and I enjoy changing the “tone” or “feel” that going to the doctor’s office usually has. My pediatric and adult population have told me they enjoy coming to the Dr.’s because of the aura of our clinic.

WHAT SETS YOUR PRACTICE APART?
We respect all of our fellow colleagues, but we like to think that we are a hybrid clinic, mixing old and new. For example, we offer home visits for our elderly or homebound patients, yet we also offer tele-medicine appointments, concierge medicine, and of course we are still in clinic for some in-office TLC. We have a collaborative relationship with KureSmart pain management group. With the opioid epidemic, I felt it was a good idea to keep in close contact with our pain management colleagues, in which we share similar views. I’ve also partnered with an online store selling kratom, a natural pain reliever (that has similar activity in the brain as opiates do, without the dependance that follows) and have been providing kratom samples in my office and recommending that patients first try that before putting them on medication like Vicodin. We also have an allergist on-site, we offer hemorrhoid banding, well woman visits, hormone replacement therapy, various examinations and we are part of CareFirst’s PCMH and will be welcoming our onsite mental health provider soon. And, of course our esthetics, it’s a small, one stop shop. Soon to come: IV hydration.

WHAT IS ONE AREA THAT YOU ARE ESPECIALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I get bored easily, which is why I chose family medicine. With this general practice I am always surprised at who comes through the door next and with what ailments and that keeps me fully engaged and on my toes! My willingness to learn makes me passionate about mostly everything. However if I had to choose, I’d say I am especially passionate about mental health. The mind is so powerful that when it is not well it impacts the entire body. It can be a very debilitating experience not being in control of your emotions and your fears. Sharing my coping methods makes me feel extra useful.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION?
I love that I get to be part of the family. Most of my patients and I have developed something deeper and more meaningful than just a doctor-patient relationship. They trust me with not only their medical care but that of their family members as well.

HOW DO YOU EASE PATIENTS’ FEARS?
Each person is different and has different fears. First, I explain everything I’m going to do and always allow for questions. I am not perfect and I will never pretend to be, so I share my own experiences. I don’t wear my white coat because it intimidates some people and can illicit a bad memory. If there is no urgent need to exam private areas on a patient I will always defer until necessary. My patients, young and old appreciate that.

YOUR MOTTO?
You wouldn’t rush your surgeon so please, don’t rush your PCP. Don’t worry about the color of my hair, it is what’s inside that will be taking care of you.

A RECENT HAPPY PROFESSIONAL MOMENT?
Not to be corny but I have one almost everyday. Here are a few that quickly come to mind. I have a 4 year old patient that actually cries if her siblings come see me and she doesn’t get to. She says she is skipping kindergarten so that she can go to med school and help Dr. O. Recently an elderly patient let me know she’s not losing her memory because she knows what she doesn’t remember. Just the other day one of my beautiful, young, talented patients, told me she had her “ah ah moment.” And, my kids that I started seeing at age 13-14 are now going to college. I love it all.

ARE YOU ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS?
Absolutely! OT Family Medicine is located at 10339 Southern Maryland Blvd., Suite 206, in Dunkirk, MD Call my office at 443-646-3532 to schedule an appointment. I can’t wait to meet you!

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I. Monet Ouwinga, MD is a Brooklyn, New York native completing undergraduate at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York and first generation of Haitian decent. Dr. O (as she prefers to be called) completed her basic sciences, obtained her MD at the University of the Americas on the island of Nevis. Completing her clinical rotations in North Carolina and Illinois, Dr. O did her residency in Illinois at Loyola-Cook County Family Medicine and served as Chief resident at her last year. Along with participating in multiple international medical missions, to Haiti and Peru she completed a fellowship in Maternal Child Health at West Suburban Hospital in, Illinois. Dr. O, a born city girl, has dedicated her life to treating patients with the same care she would provide to family members and friends. She has recently become more active in the mental health community, especially after sharing her own diagnosis of Anxiety and Depression. She is passionate about helping others with various ailments from routine visits to complicated diagnosis, ages from new born to geriatrics, in office, online or in their home. Dr. O has made a home in Southern Maryland with her husband and son in 2014 and it has proven to be one of the best life decisions she has made. Together with Travis Roberts, CRNP at their practice OT Family Medicine in Calvert County, they take care of the young, old and everyone in between with dignity and respect.