Philippa Ribbink MD, FACOG

Philippa Ribbink MD, FACOG

“One of the things I love about my job is I get to make people feel okay about what’s going on with them, with their health, and with their body. I really like people to leave this office
feeling like they’ve been listened to.”

During pregnancy and in the delivery room, I intervene as little as necessary, with the belief that pregnancy is a natural human condition.  Having worked in low resources settings in Ethiopia, I am aware of the risks of intervening too late.   But working in Ethiopia has also taught me that in most emergency situations we have more time than we think we do. Taking the time to explain why we need to intervene is very important because it gives patients a sense of control.

In the operating room, I use the least invasive techniques possible. I will adopt new techniques and materials only after I feel there is enough data to support the safety and efficacy of those techniques. In general, I try to find solutions for problems that fit the patient.

Since settling in Portland in 1997, I have fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest. I love bicycling and hiking. I also love exploring the Farmers Market and cooking the wonderful local foods Portland offers.

I grew up in the Philippines, Argentina, South Africa, and The Netherlands.  My family still lives in the Netherlands and I speak fluent Dutch.

Because I grew up all over the world, traveling is in my blood. I have worked in Ethiopia in 3 separate medical missions and am planning another mission in 2018. 

I believe that it is through travel and through work with patients from other countries and cultures that we learn about the universality of human suffering. My work in Ethiopia has also given me a profound appreciation of the medical resources available in our country and made me realize how many skills we have lost by relying so much on technology.

Other Activities

Lead Investigator, Legacy IRB Approved Study on Pain During Intimacy in Transgender Men on Testosterone

Member, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, 1999 – Present

Member, Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland, 1997 – Present

Member, Oregon Medical Association, 1997 – Present

Fellow, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1992 – Present

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Internship and Residency, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, Burlington, VT, 1995

MD, Cornell University Medical College, New York, NY, 1991

Premedical Studies, Columbia University, School of General Studies, New York, NY, 1986

BA, English, Barnard College, New York, NY, 1985

BOARD CERTIFICATION

Obstetrics & Gynecology

LEADERSHIP

Board Representative, The Oregon Clinic

Committee Chair, Benefit Company Committee

Member, Legacy OB/GYN Peer Review Committee

HONORS

Best Candidate Presentation, “Trans Men Using Testosterone Have A High Prevalence Of Penetrative Vestibular Pain”, ISSVD XXV World Congress, Sept. 2019