Dr. George Abate, DO, on the staff of Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology (located in the Neil and Laura Clark Women and Children’s Center), Findlay, says he didn’t go to medical school to join a large city practice.

“I’m all about personal, individualized patient care,” he said, adding that he feels right at home in the Blanchard Valley Health System community.  

The Ohio University College of Medicine graduate performed his residency at Cleveland Clinic.

This month he became the first BVHS physician to offer obstetric and gynecology services at Ottawa Medical and Diagnostic Center, 1740 N. Perry St., Ottawa. The center works in collaboration with Bluffton Hospital in BVHS’s Putnam County Primary Care.

He has physician privileges to deliver births and perform operations at Bluffton Hospital, in addition to Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay.

“I have a great working relationship with Dr. (Molly) Senokozlieff and Dr. Schutz of Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology’s Bluffton location (formerly known as Bluffton Women’s Care),” he said. “I worked with Dr. Dagani before his retirement and I know all about the famous milk shakes available in the Bluffton Hospital maternity ward.”

“I love pregnancy care and I always knew that I wanted to be a surgeon,” said Dr. Abate, whose wife, Dr. Lisa Abate, is also on the BVHS medical staff in internal medicine.

“Every baby born is a miracle and it’s an extreme privilege to be there during a birth,” he said about his role in the birthing process.

Through Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology, patients are seen who have bladder problems, infertility, menopausal problems, menstrual disorders, sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases, high-risk pregnancies and routine pregnancies.

Concerning his doctor-patient relationship, Dr. Abate said that he believes it is important to get to know his patients. “I find people in rural communities are honest and genuine. That’s why we (his family) chose this community to practice medicine,” he said. “It’s here where we know our neighbors.”

Nicole Schroeder, health supervisor for Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology, said that the center sees patients ranging from 15 years of age to seniors. About 60 percent of patient visits are for obstetrics and 40 percent for gynecology. Several of those patients are from Bluffton.

Dr. Abate is accepting new patients. For appointments, call Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology at 1.844.OBGYN4U.

Photo: Dr. George Abate; Jenna Sicler, care coordinator; Linda Like, medical assistant; and Nicole Schroeder, women’s health supervisor.