Joseph E. Patruno, MD

Past President, Medical Staff

Gynecology

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Overview

Area of focus i

  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Office gynecology
  • Vulvar and pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Endometriosis

Languages spoken

  • English
  • Italian
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About

Philosophy of care

I believe that the only way I can successfully treat chronic pelvic pain is by creating a strong alliance with my patients; one in which we work closely together, set goals, and work towards alleviating pain but also optimizing function. Pelvic pain is a complex condition that often involves many causes and often has led to suffering for many years. Treating pelvic pain requires a strategy built around a team of providers and requires patience and faith. Over time, however, with the use of the right medications, access to world-class surgery, and through other innovative therapeutic approaches available at LVHN, we make progress and move towards curing the pain. This progress occurs at the physical level but also an emotional level where you learn about your symptoms, needs and how to best cope and thrive. I recognize that you need me to be reliable, available, and supportive throughout this journey. I learn as much from each person I treat as they learn from me. I make an assurance that I will do everything in my power to alleviate your suffering and improve your pain.

Why I entered medicine

I always loved science as an adolescent. When I went to college I migrated towards psychology and behavioral health as an area of interest and study. The combination of these two passions provide the foundation and are why I chose to become a doctor. I'm awed by the human body and how it functions, but also realize the mind often plays as critical a role in my patients’ overall health. The opportunity to work in both of these areas – which I do regularly as a chronic pelvic pain specialist – provides me with incredible satisfaction. Through my interactions with patients, I truly feel I am doing what God put me on this Earth to do. The privilege and the joy of caring for patients as their doctor is difficult to describe.

Community involvement

As a parent of a daughter with a disability (as well as two boys who are typical), I focus a lot of attention on my kids. I am active and support Camelot for Children, Miracle League, and Manito Equestrian Centers, all of which have enriched my daughter’s life tremendously. We also support LVHN which is a health system truly committed to our community, as well as Muhlenberg College where my wife works as the Associate Athletic Director. We are blessed to live in a dynamic community filled with incredible services, organizations, and people.

Personal interests

I once again focus a great deal on my family. I enjoy watching local sports teams at the high school, college, and minor league level in the Lehigh Valley. I also participate in sports including both local soccer and tennis leagues. Clinically I am passionate about caring for my patients but also enjoy working with residents and students, and have published in the area of surgical training and simulation.

Outside of my clinical interest I have recently ended a term as the President of the Medical Staff at LVHN (2016-2018). During that time, and still as the Chair of the network Wellness Committee, I focused on the important issue of caregiver wellness and burnout. I have devoted most of my administrative time to measuring the problem of burnout and creating strategies to combat it to allow our physicians and other caregivers to thrive in the clinical environment.

Education

Undergraduate
 Dickinson College, Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences (Psychology), 1989

Undergraduate
 Bryn Mawr College, null, 1992

Medical School
 Brown University, Doctor of Medicine (MD), 1995

Training

Residency 1996
 Obstetrics & Gynecology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA

Residency 1997
 Obstetrics & Gynecology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA

Residency 1998
 Obstetrics & Gynecology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA

Residency 1999
 Obstetrics & Gynecology, Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA

Certifications

American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology - Obstetrics & Gynecology

Publications & Clinical Trials

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