With the addition of Courtney Kozek, PA-C, to the team at Maple Health DPC, the membership-based practice is putting a focus on women’s health

By Patricia Nugent

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

One of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, about one in eight will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives. The encouraging news though is that the incidence rates of breast cancer actually have been decreasing since 2000.

A preventative plan knowing your risk, getting your screenings, and doing self-exams every month makes early detection—and the best outcomes possible.

We caught up with Courtney Kozek, PA-C, the new physician assistant at Maple Health DPC, for insight. She specializes in women’s health and pediatrics.

“During an initial exam, I spend time going over each patient’s medical history. With women, that means assessing their risk for breast and other cancers, such as ovarian and cervical,” she says. “A woman’s risk of developing these cancers is higher if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has had them.”

Annual mammograms and PAP tests every three years until a woman is 30, then every five years from ages 30-65, can pick up the incidence of cancer early enough to ensure the best course of treatment.

In addition to cancer, Courtney holistically addresses all aspects of women’s health, including cardiac issues.

“Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in women,” she explains. “A heart attack often presents differently in women than men. Women don’t feel a crushing pain in the chest or left arm, but rather experience jaw pain and sweating. With every wellness visit, we do an EKG and bloodwork, which would indicate the presence of coronary artery disease. And we review the lifestyle risk factors that women can address, such as healthy diet and exercise.”

The luxury of longer appointments is one of the things that drew Courtney to the membership-based direct primary care practice—the first of its kind in Lake County—in the first place.

“As a medical practitioner, being able to spend more time with patients is integral to the higher level of care we offer,” she says.

Founded by Dr. Richard Berry late last year, the rapidly growing DPC (“Direct Primary Care”) model allows for more quality time with the doctor and 24/7 access to your physician at the clinic or via video, voice, text, or email.

“Healthcare has changed dramatically in the last seven years, and I am excited about the DPC approach and how it aligns with my patient-centered nature,” she says.

Courtney earned a Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Seton Hill University after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Pittsburgh. When not at work seeing patients, you’ll find Courtney spending time with her husband and adorable 6 month-old son Caden. This avid gardener raises monarch butterflies and enjoys hiking, biking and kayaking.

Maple Health DPC is a full-service, membership-based primary care practice that offers flexible access, longer appointment times, less waiting. It’s conveniently located at 7259 Center Street in Mentor. The practice does not take insurance. Doctor visits are included in the affordable monthly membership fee. For more information or to schedule a visit with Courtney Kozek, PA-C, call 440-655-8017 or visit MapleHealthDPC.com.