- Pediatric CarePrior to joining the Florida Center for Urogynecology, she worked in both the family practice and internal medicine setting, treating patients from pediatrics through geriatrics. She then furthered her expertise as a Hospitalist PA, managing acutely ill patients, at both Baptist and South Miami Hospital.
- Family PracticeSarah Almoshaikah is an NCCPA board certified Physician Assistant happy to care for the South Florida community. She applies her previous experiences in Family Medicine and Urology to help patients now in Urogynecology.
- Urinary IncontinenceUrodynamics is a series of diagnostic tests that evaluate the function of your bladder and urethra. These tests may be recommended if you have urinary incontinence, frequent urination, recurrent bladder infections, urgent urination, slow or weak urinary stream, incomplete bladder emptying or neurologic conditions affecting the bladder. Urodynamic studies help your doctor determine the source of bladder control symptoms and the best course of treatment.
- GynecologyDr. Ritch completed her undergraduate degree with honors at Brown University. She earned her medical degree from the University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, where she was inducted into to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society, and was recognized with the Award for Outstanding Performance in Obstetrics and Gynecology. She completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University, where she was selected as chief resident and received the prestigious AAGL Outstanding Resident in Minimally Invasive Gynecology award. Following residency, she underwent fellowship training in minimally invasive gynecology at Vanderbilt University. She has presented research and surgical technique videos at national and international conferences, has published in numerous medical journals, and has trained other surgeons in laparoscopic skills.
- Menopause
- ObstetricsDr. Pollak completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating summa cum laude. She earned her medical degree at the University of Florida College of Medicine, where she was awarded the prestigious Susan B. Anthony award for her work in women’s health. She then completed her general obstetrics and gynecology residency at the University of Miami and an advanced fellowship training program at the Cleveland Clinic Florida. Dr. Pollak has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles relating to urogynecologic disorders and has written several book chapters on the treatment of vaginal prolapse and urinary incontinence. A member of the American Urogynecologic Society (AUGS), Dr. Pollak has made oral presentations at AUGS national meetings and in Europe and South America at International Urogyecological Association meetings.
- EndometriosisWe offer expert evaluation and treatment of more complex gynecologic problems like abnormal bleeding, fibroids, chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis.
- Pelvic Pain
- Internal Medicine
- Urology
- Interstitial CystitisShatril Harris is a board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in Urogynecology. Her emphasis is on providing compassionate and knowledgeable care to women with quality of life conditions – bladder dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain and interstitial cystitis – and she is also involved in preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up.
- SciaticaRivka Friedman, PT, MS, DPT, is a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation, pelvic pain, and pregnancy and postpartum care. She has helped many women suffering from pelvic floor dysfunction, bladder and bowel problems, prolapse, pelvic pain, and pregnancy and postpartum related orthopedic issues such as sciatica, pubic symphysis dysfunction, diastasis recti and more.
- Minimally Invasive SurgeryWe offer the most advanced gynecological and urogynecological procedures, including the da Vinci System for minimally invasive surgery.
- Robotic SurgeryDr. Jessica Ritch is a board-certified, fellowship-trained minimally invasive gynecologist. As one of only a few gynecologists in South Florida who have completed fellowship training in minimally invasive gynecology, Dr. Ritch helps to treat patients and get them back to their lives faster through robotic surgery, advanced laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and vaginal procedures, as well as, non-surgical treatment options. She specializes in the management of benign gynecologic conditions such as fibroids, polyps, abnormal uterine bleeding, endometriosis, pelvic pain, ovarian masses, and cervical dysplasia.
- Laparoscopy
- BotoxAt the Florida Center for Urogynecology, you will first be examined by one of our expert Physicians or Physician Assistants to determine if the cause of your symptoms is in fact Vaginismus (there are other causes for sexual pain that we address as well). Your provider may recommend medications such as muscle relaxants and numbing creams to make intercourse more comfortable. Sometimes pelvic floor Botox injections may help if other treatments do not work or only work partially. While medications may help, they are not a cure. The first-line treatment for Vaginismus is Pelvic Physical Therapy.
- Physical TherapyOur Pelvic Physical Therapists work side by side with our medical providers to provide you with the very best treatment. At your first session, your therapist will perform an evaluation which includes a detailed history, an orthopedic exam, and a pelvic floor exam. The orthopedic exam is to determine any musculoskeletal issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. The pelvic floor exam is similar to a gynecologic exam, where, with your informed consent, the therapist will insert a gloved finger into the vagina. With more severe cases, finger insertion may not be possible on the first session, and that is alright. This exam provides the therapist with valuable information in order to help you. It is also the first step in starting your treatment.
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques can help you relax your pelvic floor muscles more effectively. This may include alignment correction, massage to the abdominal, inner thigh and gluteal muscles, as well as internal myofascial release, trigger point release, and gentle stretching of the pelvic floor muscles.
- Geriatrics