On November 3, 2025, WashU Medicine Urogynecology, celebrated the grand opening of its first dedicated urogynecology services at Progress West Hospital with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event. This marks a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to offering comprehensive and specialized care for women’s pelvic health.
Alec Szlachta-McGinn, MD, FACOG, a WashU Medicine urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgeon, and Julie Hake, DNP, APRN-C, WHNP-BC, will be providing essential care for women suffering from pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence, prolapse, fistulas, childbirth-related injuries, and bowel disorders. They bring a wealth of experience and utilize the latest techniques and technologies, with a strong emphasis on minimally invasive surgical methods.
“The establishment of urogynecology services in St. Charles County is a step forward in providing critical health services to the women of our community,” said Sara Wood, MD, Chief of WashU Medicine Urogynecology. “We are committed to providing women with access to specialized treatments for pelvic floor disorders, significantly enhancing their quality of life through the expertise of our dedicated specialists.”
Dr. Szlachta-McGinn recently joined the faculty team in September, which also includes Sara Wood, MD, Chiara Ghetti, MD, MSc, and Jerry Lowder, MD, MSc.
About Our Team:
- A distinguished team of board-certified surgeons specializing in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery, with over 50 years of combined experience.
- Their expertise encompasses a variety of minimally invasive surgical approaches.
- A highly skilled nurse practitioner dedicated to the medical and nonsurgical management of pelvic floor disorders.
- On-site diagnostic services, including urodynamics and cystoscopy, supported by an experienced urogynecologic nursing team.
- Dual office and operative locations for patient convenience.
- A dedicated scheduling and financial counseling team ensuring timely care and responsive communication.
- Comprehensive surgical planning and post-operative care coordination with referring physicians.
Indications for Referral Include:
- Pelvic organ prolapse (uterine, vaginal, cystocele/rectocele/enterocele, post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse)
- Urinary incontinence (stress, urgency, and mixed)
- Post-childbirth chronic obstetric lacerations and perineal defects
- Benign vaginal/urethral masses (urethral diverticulum, Gartner’s duct cyst, Skene’s duct cyst)
- Mesh complications
- Vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistulas
- Vaginal anomalies (vaginal septum, imperforate hymen, vaginal agenesis)
- Fecal incontinence
Accepting New Patients!
To make an appointment or refer a patient please call: 314-747-1402
Locations:
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Center for Outpatient Health
4901 Forest Park Ave., Suite 710
St. Louis, MO 63108
Missouri Baptist Medical Center
3023 North Ballas Road, Suite 450
St. Louis, MO 63131
Progress West Hospital Medical Building
120 Progress Point Pkwy, Ste. 126
O’Fallon, MO 63368