Care for yourself the way you care for others

Women’s Health Services is a comprehensive program focusing on a full spectrum of women’s health issues. Dr. Verna Thornton, OB/GYN, is passionate about patient education and skilled in gynecological surgery.

“The more you understand your body and how it functions, the better-equipped you’ll be to take care of yourself and achieve optimal health.” – CMH obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Verna Thornton

We know today’s women lead busy lives, so we make your wait as short as possible. Once your appointment begins, your time with Dr. Thornton is never rushed.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thornton, please call 218-878-7626. No referral is necessary.

General gynecology services include:

• Annual well-woman exams
• STD/STI screening
• Family planning
• Abnormal bleeding/abnormal menstrual cycles
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain
• Fibroid management
• Ovarian cysts/polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Infertility
• Urinary incontinence
• Menopausal management
• Prolapse problems
• Hormone replacement therapy

Contraception methods include:

• IUD placement and removal
• Birth control pills
• NuvaRing
• Surgical sterilization
• Depo-provera
• Removal of NEXPLANON

Surgical procedures include:

• Minimally-invasive surgery
• Diagnostic hysteroscopy/D&C
• Uterine/endometrial ablation (NovaSure and Genesys HTA)
• Laparoscopy (diagnostic and surgical)
• Hysterectomy (laparoscopic/single site/abdominal/vaginal)
• Exploratory laparotomy for ovarian masses, endometriosis, etc.
• Repair of anatomical issues related to pelvic relaxation
• Tubal ligation
• Myomectomy
• Vaginaplasty
• Surgical scar revision
• Ablation of condyloma acuminata (genital warts caused by HPV)
• Retrieval of “lost” IUDs

Minimally-invasive hysterectomy

Our Women’s Health Services Department offers a minimally-invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy, which involves only four tiny incisions, including one through the belly button where a tube with a camera on the tip is inserted. The camera magnifies the organs, making it easier for doctors to operate. Because the procedure is less invasive than a vaginal hysterectomy, women experience less pain, recover more quickly, and have less scarring.

The latest in breast cancer screening

CMH is pleased to offer Genius 3D tomosynthesis mammography. In addition to better patient comfort, our new state-of-the-art machine provides a 20-65% increase in invasive breast cancer detection compared to conventional mammography.

Astounding precision and a better, more in-depth image. Digital tomosynthesis (3D) captures multiple X-ray images of each breast from different angles. By making finer details more visible, 3D mammography offers up to a 40% decrease in false-positive recalls. The system has revolutionized the mammography screening process.

“Better sensitivity with digital tomosynthesis will decrease patient recalls and lead to more lives saved from screening mammography.” – CMH Radiologist Peggy Rouleau, MD

To book your 3D mammogram, please call our scheduling department at 218-878-7015.

Meet your gynecologist: Dr. Verna Thornton, OB/GYN

Dr. Verna Thornton, expert obstetrician-gynecologist, knew at age five that she wanted to become a physician. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, she ran her own practice in Atlanta, Georgia before joining CMH.

Our OB/GYN received her medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine and completed her residency at Emory University Hospital.

Specialties in:

• Minimally-invasive surgery
• Menopausal management
• Premenstrual disorders
• Infertility, abnormal bleeding, and other female health issues

Dr. Thornton puts her decades of women’s health experience to good use in Cloquet. Professional speaking and community mentoring play a key role in her gynecology practice, and she believes there is no greater privilege than having patients entrust their care to her medical knowledge and surgical skills.

What to expect from your gynecology appointment

Patients are encouraged to come to their OB/GYN appointment with a list of questions (if applicable) and an open mind. Common questions involve contraception options, family planning, fertility, and more.

Patient health, safety, and peace of mind are Dr. Thornton’s top priorities. As such, your first gynecology appointment is designed to lay the foundation for the overall patient-physician relationship.

What will the appointment entail? Generally, Dr. Thornton will obtain important background information, including your medical and surgical history. She will also ask you about your current medications and gather any other information she needs to guide your treatment.

Basic examinations patients may have at their OB/GYN appointment include:

• Physical exam
• Breast exam
• Pelvic exam
• External exam

Dr. Thornton welcomes patients of all ages. That said, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that girls schedule their first OB/GYN visit between the ages of 13 and 15—and young teens are encouraged to ask any questions they may have about their body, including their sexual or reproductive health.

No question is off-limits. Make your appointment with Dr. Thornton today.

The PT Pelvic Health program at CMH

We are pleased to announce the launch of a Pelvic Health Rehabilitation program, which will include assessments, treatments, and custom exercises.

Our three outpatient physical therapists have extensive experience treating patients with pelvic health dysfunctions and look forward to working with you.

“Many people don’t realize that there are treatments for pelvic conditions,” they explain. “Our team has been gaining advanced training, and they can now provide more specialized, quality care closer to home.”

Our experts offer evaluation and treatment for:

• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Dysmenorrhea
• Dyspareunia
• Endometriosis/Adenomyosis
• Vulvar pain
• Sacroiliac/Low-back pain
• Post-hernia repair

This list is not exhaustive. Many other conditions can benefit from Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy as well.

Obstetrical services at CMH Raiter Family Clinic

At CMH Raiter Family Clinic, our physicians promote access to women’s health. Just as Dr. Verna Thornton oversees patients’ regular gynecological care, our family medicine physicians manage patients’ obstetrical care and offer preventative care at annual wellness visits.

Our family physicians’ commitment to women’s health means mothers can welcome their babies in small-town comfort with all the amenities of a big-city hospital—including our state-of-the-art Birthing Suites. Our experienced doctors look forward to seeing moms and moms-to-be, and are equipped to care for mothers throughout their entire pregnancy.

For appointments and more information about CMH Family Clinic, please call 218-879-1271.