Clinical Specialist Education Sessions
Our licensed clinicians are here to educate on the following Paragard topics:
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Paragard Overview & Placement
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In this session we will:
- Provide an overview of Paragard including prescribing information
- Discuss evidence-based contraceptive counseling recommendations
- Identify published clinical practice guidelines
- Practice placement and removal on a pelvic model or virtual simulator
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Changes in Menstrual Cycle with Paragard
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In this session we will:
- Discuss typical bleeding alterations with long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs)
- Review the mechanism of action resulting in bleeding with Paragard
- Consider the impact of bleeding alterations on contraceptive method continuation and satisfaction
- Identify published recommendations for managing menstrual changes with Paragard
- Practice placement and removal on a pelvic model or virtual simulator
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Immediate Postpartum (IPP) Utilization of Paragard
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In this session we will:
- Discuss the use of LARCs for IPP contraception
- Identify facilitators and barriers to IPP LARC access, including policy and reimbursement
- Review data around the safety, efficacy, and continuation of IPP LARCs
- Practice placement and removal on a pelvic model or virtual simulation
This session will not discuss IPP placement techniques.
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Overview of Paragard for Adolescent, Young Adult (AYA) and Nulliparous People
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In this session we will:
- Define this special population with unique needs and values
- Discuss contraceptive care and national goals for AYA sexual and reproductive health
- Review safety, efficacy, satisfaction, and continuation
- Reflect on patient experiences and special considerations during placement (e.g. uterine size)
- Practice placement and removal on a pelvic model or virtual simulator
- Consider options to manage pain and anxiety with IUS placement in adolescent, young adult, and nulliparous people
- Review the safety of LARCs and look at efficacy, satisfaction, and continuation with reversible contraception
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Meet our Paragard Clinical Specialist Team
Our Clinical Specialist team is comprised of 8 clinicians, each with extensive experience, knowledge, and expertise in placing LARCs and providing comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.
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Lauren Neal
is a board-certified Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner and provides Paragard education and training in the Central region.
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Nikole Gettings
is a Certified Nurse Midwife and provides Paragard education and training in the Southeast region.
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Gillian Brautigam
is a Certified Nurse Midwife and provides Paragard education and training in the Mountain and Pacific
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Jolanta Markiewicz
is a Certified Nurse Midwife and provides Paragard education and training in the Upper Midwest region.
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Lora Dibner-Garcia
is a Certified Nurse Midwife and provides Paragard education and training in the Northeast region.
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Andrea Conley
is a board-certified Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner and provides Paragard education and training in the Mid-Atlantic region.
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Karen O’Hara
is a seasoned clinical Nurse Practitioner with 23+ years of experience in patient care and training in the West region.
Have questions? Contact the clinical specialist team at [email protected]