A Patient Story About Building Trust | Compassionate Care at CHDC

Patient Stories

Health Connect: A Patient Story About Building Trust

Monica's journey with CHDC is a testament to the power of compassionate and patient-centered care. After avoiding her women’s health appointment for eight years due to a negative experience, she found hope and trust in CHDC and her provider, Krista Dankiw-Ludwig. Monica highlights how Krista's gentle approach, clear communication, and empathy transformed her perception of a visit to the gynecologist, making her feel safe, respected, and confident. Through her experience, Monica now actively encourages others, including her family, to seek care at CHDC, praising our exceptional team, free transportation services, and commitment to meeting patients’ needs beyond the exam room. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of trust, understanding, and kindness in healthcare.

What brought you to CHDC and how long have you been a patient here?

I avoided [going to the doctor] for as long of a time as possible. My experience wasn’t the best at the last office I went to. It was uncomfortable. I didn’t want to go to that office again, and it had been 8 years. After my last appointment, I said to myself, “I will never do that again. I don’t care if I die from cancer.” I heart a lot of people were asking for Krista [Dankiw-Ludwig] directly, saying she was very kind and very gentle.

I thought that she looked like a good fit for me too. I was really trying to find someone or a place where I can feel safe and not feel judged. I mean, eight years of not getting a check-up, people can judge you for that! I just turned 40 so I know that I have to get a mammogram and have to get my check-up. So, I felt confident enough to say, “I trust her”. It was amazing. She was very gentle, she explained everything step-by-step, and it wasn’t uncomfortable at all. She would tell me what was going on and what was going to happen. The exam went as she said… and it wasn’t uncomfortable at all.

We talked about me being 40, getting my mammogram, and just making sure everything was ok. I was having a really weird pain on my left side, and I didn’t know if it was hormonal or something else, but she was able to walk me through everything that I needed to know. They did all the tests, and everything was good, but the experience itself of having trust [in your provider] and not being worried or afraid of them was very helpful. She was able to calm me because when you’re not sure of what’s going on you tend to be tense and that’s going to be hard. It also makes it hard for the providers, right? Because when you’re afraid, you’re not able to talk with them.

What experience, program, or provider at CHDC has made the most positive impact?

I will directly refer people to Krista and will say, “go with Krista, she’s amazing”. She will guide you on the steps and make sure you understand what is going on during your appointment.

What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to schedule their appointment?

The best advice I can give is to look out for a place where you’re not going to be tense, and it won’t be hard for you to get your tests done. As long as you are relaxed and feel good, it will be easier for you and your provider to manage. The trust is what you need.

Why would you recommend that someone become a patient with CHDC?

Everything was very organic with [Krista]. Since the beginning when she first talked to me, she explained to me what we’re going to do. She told me, “You’re going to feel this” and that was exactly how I felt. She followed up with me, making sure that I have everything and that I followed up on my tests. I avoided [going back to the OB/GYN] all that time because my last experience was so awful. But with this place, I can say that I will definitely come back for my check-ups. I really enjoyed the experience. I was even telling my mom, “Next time it’s your turn you have to come here!”

Women's Health Provider giving a check-up to a female patient sitting on an exam chair in a room decorated to look like a grassy field.

How is CHDC different from other healthcare providers that you have been to?

I love that there’s a lot of patients who come here and they are offered transportation for free, which is something amazing. I remember there was a patient that was very young and struggling a lot. CHDC would make sure that somebody was able to pick her up and take her home. The drivers were very friendly and respectful. [Free transportation] is something that nobody has! I have never seen that in another place where they offer you that option. They also have nutrition classes and different kinds of groups that patients can join.

What is one word that reminds you of CHDC?

Awesome!

What is one thing that you want other people to know about CHDC?

I tell people that it’s worth the travel because the team here is very knowledgeable. I can say the entire team here is amazing. I see how they treat the patients and how good the environment is. I have seen the team here really helping people. When patients ask about food banks in the area, I have seen them looking for the information and giving it to the patients they treat. They really care about people. It’s not about the money, it’s about the people. I love it.

Thank you to Monica, for sharing your CHDC Patient Story. If you have a patient story that you would like to share, please speak to your provider or call 610-326-9460 and ask for our Marketing Department.

If you would like to schedule an appointment at CHDC, please call 610-326-9460 to speak with a Patient Services Representative.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month:

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, making it a great time to focus on your cervical health. Your cervix is an important part of your reproductive system and keeping it healthy is key to your overall well-being. Regular check-ups with your gynecologist can help prevent problems or catch them early. During this visit, your gynecologist can do a Pap test or HPV screening to check for any signs of trouble. They can also talk to you about the HPV vaccine, which helps protect against cervical cancer. At CHDC, we’re here to help you stay healthy. Our OB/GYN team offers the screenings and support you need to take charge of your cervical health. Don’t wait—make your health a priority this year by scheduling your annual visit with us!

All women between the ages of 21 to 65, including those who have had the HPV vaccine, need cervical cancer screening.

Women ages 21 to 29 years should have a Pap test every three years.
Women ages 30 to 65 years can choose a Pap test every three years, a HR HPV test every five years, or a Pap test and HR HPV test every five years.
Women older than 65 or women who have had their cervix removed should talk with their health care provider to decide what is best for them

What are the risks for having cervical cancer?

Having HPV: HPV causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
Not getting screened: Cervical cancer is most often found in women who have never been screened.
Smoking: Women who smoke are about two times more likely to get cervical cancer than non-smokers.
Age: Women over the age of 30 are more likely to get cervical cancer.

Source: health.ny.gov/publications/19601.pdf

CHDC will have the Tower Health mobile mammography unit on-site throughout 2025, making it easy, quick, and convenient to get a mammogram.

2025 Dates:

To register, call: 484-628-8611