Below the Belt, Above the Norm: A Gyn Oncologist's Perspective
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Episode Notes
What does it look like to care for women across the entire spectrum of gynecologic health—from prevention and early symptoms to cancer treatment and survivorship? In this episode, host Becky Gleed sits down with Dr. Ruchi Garg, Chief Medical Officer of Fairview Park Hospital, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist, and a leader in digital health and hospital administration.
With over 25 years of clinical experience and more than 10,000 patients cared for, Dr. Garg brings a rare combination of deep expertise, compassion, and innovation. She shares:
Why gynecologic oncology is about much more than cancer care
The early signs of ovarian and uterine cancer—and how they’re often overlooked
How fertility preservation is approached when cancer treatment is necessary
What patients should do if they feel dismissed or unheard by a provider
Her perspective on elective C-sections and personal autonomy in birth choices
How she transitioned from bedside care to hospital leadership
The role of digital health and remote monitoring in shaping the future of women’s healthcare
Dr. Garg’s insights bridge the personal and the systemic—empowering listeners with practical knowledge while also shining a light on the importance of advocacy, leadership, and innovation in women’s health.
“For the longest time, we used to think that ovarian cancer is a silent killer and it’s not. We can be mindful of our body and be aware of the changes, and then advocate for ourselves at that point to go to our primary care or OBGYN and asking to be examined or further testing.”
“The doctor-patient relationship is based on trust... If the patient does not feel comfortable, they feel dismissed... they have to be able to trust their intuition.”
Show Notes
Introduction & Guest Welcome (00:00:02)
Host Becky Glled introduces the podcast, welcomes Dr. Ruchi Garg, and sets up the episode’s focus on gynecologic oncology.
Dr. Garg’s Background & Inspiration (00:00:45)
Dr. Garg shares her background, what gynecologic oncology entails, and her inspiration for entering the field.
Memorable Early Surgeries & Pelvic Exenteration (00:02:47)
Discussion of a formative surgical experience—pelvic exenteration—and the emotional and technical aspects of such complex surgeries.
Surgeon’s Perspective on Long Surgeries (00:05:24)
Insights into the physical and mental demands of lengthy surgeries and the importance of stamina and focus.
Training Path for Gynecologic Oncologists (00:07:34)
Explanation of the training required, including residency, fellowship, and changes in research requirements.
Common Diagnoses & Scope of Practice (00:11:02)
Overview of conditions seen in gynecologic oncology, including cancers and complex gynecological cases.
Precancerous Lesions & Fertility Preservation (00:12:39)
Discussion of managing precancerous conditions, fertility preservation, and surgical considerations during pregnancy.
Dysplasia & Fertility Maintenance Explained (00:14:45)
Definitions of dysplasia, its causes, and detailed strategies for maintaining fertility during treatment.
Diagnostic Process & Medical Gaslighting Concerns (00:21:18)
Exploration of common diagnostic tests, the importance of pelvic exams, and addressing concerns about medical gaslighting.
Abnormal Bleeding & Endometrial Cancer Diagnostics (00:26:57)
How abnormal bleeding is evaluated, especially post-menopausal bleeding, and the diagnostic steps for endometrial cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms & Early Detection (00:31:34)
Key symptoms of ovarian cancer, importance of self-advocacy, and the diagnostic pathway for ovarian masses.
General Treatment Approaches & Surgical Innovations (00:34:24)
Overview of treatment strategies for gynecologic cancers, including surgical advancements and minimally invasive techniques.
Complex Surgeries & Patient Counseling (00:41:01)
Unpredictability of surgical procedures, patient consent, and the importance of individualized treatment planning.
Building Trust & Second Opinions (00:44:20)
Advice for patients concerned about dismissal or gaslighting, and the value of trust and seeking second opinions.
Elective C-Section: Personal Experience & Stigma (00:49:04)
Dr. Garg shares her personal decision for an elective C-section, addressing stigma and the importance of respecting patient choices.
Teaching, Leadership, and Administrative Roles (00:55:46)
Transition from clinical practice to teaching and medical administration, and the impact of leadership from within.
Episode Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks (00:59:39)
Becky and Dr. Garg conclude the episode, reflecting on key messages and expressing gratitude.
Guest information
Dr. Ruchi Garg is joining as the Chief Medical Officer of Fairview Park Hospital, a part of HCA system. Dr. Garg brings over 25 years of clinical experience. In the past, Dr. Garg was the Chair of Gynecologic Oncology for all of Cancer Treatment Centers of America Hospitals that was acquired by City of Hope. Board certified in Gynecologic Oncology and Obstetrics/Gynecology, Dr. Garg has taken care of over 10000 gynecology and gynecologic cancer patients and has a strong interest in cancer prevention. She has performed over 3,500 robotic surgeries. Dr. Garg developed an interest in digital health – telehealth and remote patient monitoring at the start of the pandemic. She has established several digital health programs and continues to be intricately involved with health tech startups.
As part of the six-year honors program in medicine, Dr. Garg completed her BS and MD at University of Miami, Florida. She completed her residency in Gynecology and Obstetrics at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland and Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Garg completed her Executive MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. Dr. Garg has received several research awards and has had many publications and book chapters. She has held several academic Associate Professor appointments including at City of Hope, Uniformed Services, UVA, George Washington, and the VCU School of Medicine. Dr. Garg has served on multiple national committees for American Society of Clinical Oncology and Society of Gynecologic Oncology. She has won numerous top doctor awards, including being spotlighted on the cover of Washingtonian Top Doctors. She serves as a board member for Harts of Teal, to raise awareness for ovarian cancer.