Dr. Lynn Kowalski, a gynecologic oncologist at Nevada Surgery & Cancer Care, wrote the book on hysterectomies — or, at least, a book on them. More to the point, Kowalski’s “Not Your Mother’s Hysterectomy” aims to inform readers and explain in language they can understand what to expect during and after the procedure. Kowalski has performed thousands of hysterectomies on Nevadans since she began practicing in Las Vegas in 1998.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
When I faced unexpected challenges at a previous practice, a friend, Dr. Maria Keller, recommended I read the book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” This little inspirational gem really helped me focus on the future I wanted to create.
If you could change one thing about Southern Nevada, what would it be?
I would love to see more neighborhoods without walls or gates. I miss the neighborhoods back east, where each house is unique and faces toward the street, and people walk through their community, know their neighbors and visit local shops and restaurants that are integrated among the houses. Here, it seems like we have walled-in houses in some areas and shopping malls in others but not the mixing and integration I have seen in other parts of the country. And every house looks the same.
You were one of the first medical professionals to bring FemiLift to Southern Nevada. Why did you think it was important to bring here?
I have treated and cured many patients with cancer over the years, but at a price. The surgeries and treatments for many reproductive cancers can diminish a woman’s sex drive, cause vaginal pain and dryness, and result in a loss of intimacy in relationships. When I found out about FemiLift, I was excited about the prospect of providing a safe treatment for these issues that doesn’t require hormones or pills. Now I can offer FemiLift to my patients and to any woman who wants to improve her sex life or treat the effects of childbirth. And the best part is, I can perform the treatments right in my office with no anesthesia; they’re virtually painless.
How does the technology work?
FemiLift uses a CO2 laser to stimulate new collagen and blood vessel production in the vaginal lining, leading to a tightening and toning effect with better lubrication. It has been used overseas for several years, and research studies show it can help with menopause symptoms, loss of vaginal tone from childbirth and mild urinary incontinence.
What was the inspiration for your book, “Not Your Mother’s Hysterectomy”?
My patients. Many of them kept telling me I was good at explaining things, and I thought about sharing my expertise with a wider audience. Then, a friend of mine shared a story with me about her mother, who went through a traumatic hysterectomy with a doctor who never talked to her about what she was feeling. My friend convinced me that my book could help other women avoid a similar ordeal.
Are there other technologies you’d like to bring to Southern Nevada to improve women’s health?
As an oncologist, I see the newest technologies in the realm of personalized medicine, with cancer treatments tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer. We are just scratching the surface of understanding these molecular signatures now, but I believe this technology will revolutionize cancer treatment in the future.
What’s the biggest issue facing Southern Nevada?
Access to affordable solar power. I feel like our most abundant natural resource is being wasted and, as the sunniest state in America, Nevada should lead the way in integrating solar power into our community.
What has been your most exciting professional project?
I worked so hard on my book for several years and, as a first-time author, holding the first copy in my hands was a real thrill.
What are you reading?
“Things Fall Apart,” by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe.
What do you do after work?
I like to take long walks outside, ride my bicycle or visit Cure Infrared Sauna Studio for relaxation. Sometimes it’s very late, and I just come home, but I make a home-cooked dinner every night. Before work, twice a week, I do a strength training and mobility workout at Las Vegas Sports Performance. Since my days are so busy and unpredictable, I have found it helpful to do the workout early (6 a.m.) so I don’t have to stress about getting there later.
Describe your management style.
I am a big-picture person. I like to think about new ideas, visions for the future and systems approaches to making things work better. Luckily, my partner is good at focusing on details, so between the two of us, we run our practice with a team effort.
What is your dream job, outside of your current field?
Wildlife photographer, because I love capturing an amazing unscripted moment that showcases the beauty of nature. I love traveling to new places and getting into the wilderness.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
New Zealand. The people are amazingly friendly, and the food and wine are great.
Whom do you admire?
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, the pediatrician in Flint, Mich., who sounded the alarm when she discovered her patients were being lead poisoned by the city’s water. Once she discovered disturbing symptoms in her patients, she did research to confirm her suspicions and worked with water experts to pinpoint the source of the problem. She went outside the bounds of her clinical practice to truly help her patients in a time of crisis.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’d have smaller feet.
What is something people might not know about you?
Even though I’m 6 feet tall, I am the shortest in my family.
Anything else you want to tell us?
I am working on a slideshow of my best travel photographs that we will show in our office waiting room. I will incorporate images from the great places I have visited, starting in my own backyard and expanding to Papua New Guinea, Namibia, Alaska and Ecuador.