Our practice takes comprehensive care to a higher level with a large team of experienced and qualified physicians. We offer cutting-edge technology like the da Vinci which allows us to perform delicate and complex procedures that may have been difficult or impossible with other methods. If you’re facing surgery, you couldn’t be in better hands.
Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery. “Minimally invasive” means that instead of operating on patients through large incisions, we use miniaturized surgical instruments that fit through a series of quarter-inch incisions. When performing surgery with the da Vinci—the world’s most advanced surgical robot—these miniaturized instruments are mounted on three separate robotic arms, allowing the surgeon maximum range of motion and precision.
The da Vinci’s fourth arm contains a magnified high-definition 3-D camera that guides the surgeon during the procedure.
By utilizing this advanced technology, our physicians can perform a growing number of complex gynecological surgical procedures. Since these procedures can now be performed through very small incisions, our patients experience many benefits compared to open surgery, including: less trauma on the body, minimal scarring, and faster recovery time.
pelvic pain, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding. Three providers are currently certified in performing robotically-assisted procedures:
Dr. Charles A. Wilkes
Charles A. Wilkes, MD graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the College of William and Mary, then earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His training continued at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where he completed his residency and continues to serve as a member of the clinical faculty. His extensive training and experience is evident, as Dr. Wilkes is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.Dr. Wilkes enjoys working with the team of experienced doctors at Tidewater Physicians for Women in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia, where he provides the full range of obstetric and gynecologic care to women of all ages. His patients rely on his compassion and expertise in preventive care, detecting gynecological problems, and providing the medical attention they need to support a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
When he’s not busy in his medical practice, Dr. Wilkes spends time with his wife and daughter and pursues his special interest in computer technology. He’s an avid racquetball player who also enjoys skiing and photography.
Dr. Kelsey L. Arbogast
Kelsey L. Arbogast, MD practices medicine at Tidewater Physicians for Women in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. She began her career in Oklahoma, where she received her undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma. She continued on to earn her doctorate at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. After earning her medical degree, she completed her residency at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine.
Dr. Arbogast looks forward to continuing her practice with the women in the area by providing routine well woman care, and teaching preventive health care, while expertly treating gynecological problems, and supporting their health throughout pregnancy. She encourages each woman to plan for a healthy pregnancy by visiting her for preconception counseling for screening of risk factors that may impact a future pregnancy and baby.
Dr. Arbogast spends as much time as possible with her husband, daughter, and their dog. They enjoy traveling and being outdoors, where she especially enjoys scuba diving.
Dr. Mary E. Kownack
Mary E. Kownack, M.D. was born and raised in Virginia Beach. After graduating from Bayside High School & Health Sciences Academy, she earned a B.S. in Nuclear and Radiological Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She was inspired by Tidewater Physicians for Women while employed as a Research Coordinator for Tidewater Clinical Research during the summers of 2009-2013. Dr. Kownack graduated with her M.D. from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed her OB/GYN residency at Detroit Medical Center-Wayne State University, where she served as an Administrative Chief Resident. She was deeply honored to receive awards for excellence in resident teaching, compassionate patient care, and midwifery and nursing support during residency.
Dr. Kownack is excited to return home and join Tidewater Physicians for Women in providing comprehensive women’s health care. She enjoys the full scope of women’s health but is especially passionate about helping women navigate pregnancy. She looks forward to building relationships with her patients and their families.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Kownack loves the beach, music, sports, food, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog.
828 Healthy Way Unit 330
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Fax: 757-467-0301
844 Kempsville Road #208
Norfolk, VA 23502
Fax: 757-461-0836
Appointments:
757-461-3890
Inquiries:
757-461-3890
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