As an OB/GYN, Shaman has delivered hundreds of babies, treated and cared for a myriad of other female issues and talked with women about all kinds of health and wellness concerns.
One thing that comes up over and over, he said, is a woman’s wish to look in the mirror and feel happy about what she sees.
It was that understanding, he said, that got him interested in expanding his practice to include spa-like treatments in addition to the clinic’s medical aspect.
‘As a doctor who only cares for women, it seemed natural to offer these services,? said Shaman, who trained at Wayne State University. ‘Women want to feel healthy on the inside and out.?
This philosophy leads to a holistic approach to caring for the person, not just the condition, he said.
In addition to conventional OB/GYN care, the office now offers a menu of spa services such as Botox, Restylane dermal filler, laser hair and vein reduction, massage, facials and waxing, all provided by certified, licensed professionals.
‘One thing I find is that if you’re not well, it is reflected in your skin,? he said. ‘And likewise, if you don’t feel you look good on the outside, it affects your mood coming from the inside.?
It is an understanding, he said, that developed from years of talking to women about OB/GYN concerns and conversations that ultimately lead to other related topics.
‘A lot of his branching out was generated from patients who asked for advice about where to go for specific cosmetic problems,? he said. ‘We did our own research and found more and more being done in medical offices.?
The office is also an exclusive local distributor of Luzern, a line of high-quality organic skin care products.
‘There are a lot of skin problems’like hormones, pigmentation, breakouts, dryness’we can address and treat,? said Sancie Caldwell, the clinic’s esthetician and laser technician. ‘We like people to come in and talk about what their different needs are, and then we can customize the facial for specific problems.?
Caldwell also uses the latest laser equipment for permanent hair reduction. The newest technology, she said, allows treatment of more hair and skin types and colors than previously possible.
‘The results are better than waxing,? she said.
A variety of different massage styles are also available at the office.
‘A lot of people think of massage as a treat for themselves,? said Sandra Folsom, CMT, RN. ‘But it’s an overall wellness treatment as well. We all know stress plays a huge role in our overall health, but massage can help with stress reduction, improvement of circulation, and chronic pain.?
Folsom offers Swedish, hot stone, aroma-therapy, deep tissue and prenatal massage, and encourages clients to try different types.
‘Especially the hot stone massage,? she said, describing the technique as a combination of massage and strategic placement of hot stones along the spine, as well as other areas such as hands and feet.
‘It’s very relaxing.?
And, with 15, 30 or 60 minute sessions, an appointment can be booked into any busy schedule.
‘People can run in on their lunch break,? said Folsom. ‘It’s a nice way to relax a little before they have to go back to work.?
Shaman spent a great deal of time creating an atmosphere especially welcoming to women before he opened the private OB/GYN practice in the North Oakland Medical Center last August.
The waiting area is tastefully decorated in warm, inviting colors; the seating plush and comfortable.
After all, he said, the way a place looks plays a significant role in the way a woman feels while she’s there, and’perhaps above all else’it’s important his patients feel comfortable.
‘Sometimes when a person is nervous, they’ll forget about things,? said Shaman. ‘I wanted to create a relaxed environment that will help women feel comfortable enough to sit down and talk to me about the problems they may be having.?
Contact Peter Shaman M.D. at 248-625-8555, or check out www.drshaman.yourmd.com.
Dr. Shaman’s office is located inside the North Oakland Medical Center at 6770 Dixie Highway, Suite 313.