{"id":927,"date":"2019-12-10T16:33:35","date_gmt":"2019-12-10T16:33:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/north-florida-gynecology-specialists\/?page_id=927"},"modified":"2026-04-17T08:43:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T12:43:40","slug":"mary-ellen-wechter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/north-florida-gynecology-specialists\/mary-ellen-wechter\/","title":{"rendered":"Dr. Mary Ellen Wechter"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Face<\/span><\/div><\/div>
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DR. MARY ELLEN WECHTER<\/h2>\n<\/div>

Dr. Mary Ellen Wechter is a gynecologist and minimally-invasive gynecologic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and medical\/surgical treatment of benign gynecologic problems. Dr. Wechter is fellowship-trained with extensive experience in the use of minimally invasive techniques (robotics, laparoscopy, mini-laparotomy, and hysteroscopic surgery) to treat benign (not cancer) gynecologic diseases. She is an expert in the management of complex gynecologic problems, not limited to fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, abnormal pap smears, vaginitis, ovarian and Fallopian tube problems, vulvar diseases, sexual dysfunction, painful intercourse, breast problems, menopausal symptoms, and the gynecologic sequelae of breast cancer and cancer treatment. She and her partner run the Fibroid Care Clinic to provide tailored treatment plans that liberate women from the symptoms and fertility barriers associated with fibroids.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i><\/i><\/span>Read More<\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
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Dr. Wechter is a native of Michigan but also spent her childhood in Appalachia (Kentucky) and in Springfield, IL. She has 3 young children and enjoys running, reading, travel, languages, skiing, paddle-boarding, and ballroom dance. She speaks conversational Spanish and is learning German. She received her medical training from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN (medical school), the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor (residency), and the University of North Carolina (gynecologic surgery fellowship). She also has a master\u2019s degree in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina School of Public Health. Her mission in life and in medicine is to relieve suffering, particularly for women, because life as a woman is too challenging to tolerate unnecessary gynecologic burdens (like bleeding and pain).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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EDUCATION & TRAINING<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>

\u2022 07\/2004 \u2013 07\/2006 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill<\/span>
\nMaster of Public Health, Epidemiology<\/p>\n

\u2022 Boards Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2006<\/span>
\nFellow of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist<\/p>\n

\u2022 07\/2004 \u2013 07\/2006 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill<\/span>
\nTriangle Clinical Research Fellow, NICHD T32 training grant<\/p>\n

\u2022 07\/2004 \u2013 07\/2006 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill<\/span>
\nFellow, Division of Advanced Laparoscopy and Pelvic Pain
\nClinical Instructor, Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/p>\n

\u2022 06\/2000 \u2013 06\/2004 University of Michigan at Ann Arbor<\/span>
\nResident, Obstetrics and Gynecology<\/p>\n

\u2022 08\/1996 \u2013 05\/2000 Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN<\/span>
\nDoctor of Medicine<\/p>\n

\u2022 09\/1992-05\/1996 University of Michigan at Ann Arbor<\/span>
\nBachelor of Science, Biology<\/p>\n<\/div>

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HONORS\/AWARDS<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>

\u2022 2006 – Golden Tar Heel Award, Medical Student Teaching Award<\/span>
\nUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine<\/p>\n

\u2022 2006 – Fellow\u2019s Excellence in Teaching Award, awarded by house officers<\/span>
\nDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill<\/p>\n

\u2022 2004 – Resident Award for Special Excellence in Endoscopic Procedures<\/span>
\nAmerican Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists<\/p>\n

\u20222003 – Alpha Omega Alpha<\/span>
\nUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor School of Medicine<\/p>\n

\u2022 2001, 2003 – Bronze Beeper Award, Medical Student Teaching Award<\/span>
\nUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor School of Medicine<\/p>\n

\u2022 2003 – Outstanding Resident Teacher Award<\/span>
\nUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor School of Medicine<\/p>\n

\u2022 1996-2000 – Dean\u2019s Award full tuition scholarship<\/span>
\nMayo Medical School, Rochester, MN<\/p>\n

\u2022 1996 – Graduated with Highest Distinction<\/span>
\nUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor<\/p>\n

\u2022 1996 – Golden Key Honors Society Prize for Senior Student<\/span>
\nUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor<\/p>\n

\u2022 1995 – Phi Beta Kappa<\/span>
\nUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor<\/p>\n

\u2022 1993-1996 – Angell Scholar, awarded for academic merit<\/span>
\nUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor<\/p>\n<\/div>

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HOSPITAL AFFILIATIONS<\/span><\/h3>\n

Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville\/Beaches<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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LANGUAGES<\/span><\/h3>\n

English, Spanish (conversational)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>

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PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>
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    American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

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    American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Fellow<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

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    Florida Obstetric and Gynecologic Society<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

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    Norman F. Miller Gynecologic Society<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>

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    Journal Articles in Peer Reviewed Journals<\/h3>\n
      \n
    • Kho RM and Wechter ME, Operative Outcomes of Opportunistic Bilateral Salpingectomy at the Time of Benign Hysterectomy in Low-Risk Premenopausal Women: A Systematic Review. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2017;24(2):218\u2013229.<\/li>\n
    • Wechter ME, Mohd J, Magrina JF, Cornella JL, Magtibay PM, Wilson JR, Kho RM. Complications in Robotic-Assisted Gynecologic Surgery According to Case Type: A 6-Year Retrospective Cohort Study Using Clavien-Dindo Classification. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2014;21:844-850.<\/li>\n
    • Wechter ME, Kho RM, Chen AM, Magrina JF, Pettit PD, Preventing slide in Trendelenburg position: randomized trial comparing foam and gel pads. Journal of Robotic Surgery 2013;7(3):267-271.<\/li>\n
    • Martin CE, Johnson E, Wechter ME, Leserman J, Zolnoun DA. Catastrophizing: a predictor of persistent pain among women with endometriosis at 1 year. Human Reproduction 2011; 26:3078-84.<\/li>\n
    • Wechter ME, Stewart EA, Myers ER, Kho RM, Wu JM. Leiomyoma-related hospitalizations and surgeries: prevalence and predicted growth based on population trends. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2011; 205:492.e1-5.<\/li>\n
    • Klauschie J, Wechter ME, Jacob K, Zanagnolo V, Montero R, Magrina J, Kho R. Use of anti-skid material and patient positioning technique in preventing patient shifting during robotic procedures in gynecology. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology 2010; 17:504-7.<\/li>\n
    • Kho R, Akl M, Cornella J, Magtibay J, Wechter ME, Magrina J. Incidence and Characteristics of Patients with Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence after Robotic Procedures. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2009; 114:231-5.<\/li>\n
    • Wechter ME, Wu JM, Marzano D, Haefner H. Management of Bartholin\u2019s duct cysts and abscesses: A systematic review. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 2009; 64:395-404.<\/li>\n
    • Wu JM, Wechter ME, Geller EJ, Nguye TV, Visco AG. Hysterectomy Rates in the United States, 2003. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2007; 110:1091-5.<\/li>\n
    • Hartmann KE, Wechter ME, Payne P, Salisbury K, Jackson RD, Melvin CL. Best Practice Smoking Cessation Intervention and Resource Needs of Prenatal Care Providers. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2007; 110:765-70.<\/li>\n
    • Visco AG, Viswanathan M, Lohr KN, Wechter ME, Gartlehner G, Wu JM, Palmieri R, Jonsson Funk M, Lux L, Swinson T, Hartmann K. Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2006; 108:1517-29.<\/li>\n
    • Viswanathan M, Visco AG, Hartmann K, Wechter ME, Gartlehner G, Wu JM, Palmieri R, Funk MJ, Lux L, Swinson T, Lohr KN. Cesarean Delivery on Maternal Request. Evid Rep Technol Assess. 2006; 133:1-138.<\/li>\n
    • Lamvu G, Williams, R, Zolnoun D, Wechter ME, Shortliffe A, Fulton G, Steege JF. Long-term outcomes after surgical and nonsurgical management of chronic pelvic pain: One year after evaluation in a pelvic pain specialty clinic. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2006; 195:591-00.<\/li>\n
    • As-Sanie S, Zolnoun D, Wechter ME, Lamvu G, Tu F, Steege J. Teaching residents coding and documentation: long-term effectiveness of a problem-oriented approach. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2005; 193(5):1790-3.<\/li>\n
    • Wechter ME, Pearlman MD, Hartmann KE. Reclosure of the Disrupted Laparotomy Wound: A Systematic Review. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2005; 106(2):376-383. (Selected for inclusion in the ABOG annual board recertification program, 2006.)<\/li>\n
    • Wechter ME, Gruber SB, Haefner HK, et al. Vulvar Melanoma: a Report of 20 Cases and Review of the Literature. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2004; 20(50):554-562.<\/li>\n
    • Wechter ME, Reynolds RK, Haefner HK, et al. Vulvar Melanoma: Review of Diagnosis, Staging, and Therapy. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Diseases 2004; 8(1):58-69.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Journal Articles in Non Peer Reviewed Journals<\/h3>\n