Dr. Barbara L. Plucknett

Philosophy of care | My philosophy revolves around optimizing quality of life through minimally invasive options. I was fortunate during my training to work with nationally recognized surgeons, leading to experience in complex gynecologic care and allowing me to be an early adopter of minimally invasive options. Such advances give patients same-day options that allow them to return to their busy lives faster. I have advocated in many hospital systems for laparoscopy, robotics, minimally invasive procedures for incontinence and office-based procedures. Minimal pain, faster recovery and cutting-edge technology is the platform for all my patient care. Many are not aware that a simple solution exists for what is often an embarrassing topic to discuss. | Why I entered medicine | As a child, I was inspired by my father, who practiced medicine. As I pursued a medical career, I recognized immediately how much I was drawn to surgery and women's health. As a doctor and working mother, I focused on learning approaches that would bring more women back to their family life expeditiously. Today I have the privilege of making a profound impact on the lives of my patients. Through my ongoing pursuit of the latest in research, innovation and technology, I strive to limit pain, cure disease and improve the overall health and well-being of many women. | Personal interests | I enjoy spending time with family. I am fond of the outdoors, enjoying activities such as skiing, hiking, biking, paddleboarding and kayaking. I also love to cook, travel and read in my free time. Dr. Ailawadi is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rectocele. Her top areas of expertise are Rectocele, Stress Urinary Incontinence, Uterine Prolapse, and Urinary Incontinence.

Michael Bonidie, MD, specializes in urogynecology and is certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery and obstetrics and gynecology by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is affiliated with UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, UPMC Northwest, UPMC Mercy, UPMC Passavant, UPMC Hamot, UPMC Presbyterian, UPMC Lititz, UPMC West Shore, UPMC Community Osteopathic, UPMC Pinnacle Harrisburg, UPMC Carlisle, UPMC Memorial and UPMC Northwest. He completed his residency at Medical College of Virginia and medical degree at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Dr. Bonidie is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rectocele. His top areas of expertise are Uterine Prolapse, Rectocele, Stress Urinary Incontinence, Hysterectomy, and Endoscopy.

Sandra Culbertson, MD, is chair of the Geisinger Women and Children’s Institute. She is a board-certified urogynecologist and a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.|Dr. Culbertson earned her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Virginia. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology and her fellowship at The University of Chicago Medical Center. In her clinical work, she focuses on treatment of recurrent urinary incontinence and prolapse.|Before joining Geisinger in 2017 as chair of women’s health, Dr. Culbertson practiced at The University of Chicago for more than 20 years, where her focus was on excellence in clinical care, education and administration. At Geisinger, Dr. Culbertson has been focused on building a comprehensive women’s health service line with improved access and the highest quality across all platforms. This has included extensive recruitment and reorganization into regional models of care.|Dr. Culbertson has repeatedly been listed as a “Best Doctor in America” since 2001 and earned numerous teaching awards at The University of Chicago and Geisinger. Dr. Culbertson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Rectocele. Her top areas of expertise are Uterine Prolapse, Urinary Incontinence, Stress Urinary Incontinence, and Rectocele.