REIGNITING THE PAST

REIGNITING

THE PAST

FROM HER OWN IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE

TO EXPLORING MEDICINE IN ASIA, THE

OWNER OF CENTRAL PARK MEDICAL

PRACTICE USES A MÉLANGE OF

TRADITIONAL AND SURGICAL METHODS

TO HEAL THE BODY.

By Katelyn Rutt

An interest in medicine is practically innate for the physician, who follows seven generations in the field—and specializes in the areas of obstetrics, gynecology, vaginal reconstructive surgery, urogynecology, and reproductive endocrinology.

“I am an immigrant from the former Soviet Union,” Dr. Shahnoz Rustamova M.D. FACOG says. “My parents were both doctors on the labor and delivery floor and my school was across the street, so I would head over and sit at the nurse's station and help them change diapers and watch the babies.”

While this memory may have shaped her initial fascination, it wasn’t until Rustamova developed a condition in her 30s that she was propelled to begin a deeper search for healing. She found herself without answers from traditional medicine and on an unwanted, lifelong medication.

“None of the stellar doctors knew what was causing it,” Rustamova says. “Having to find answers to this, I explored holistic medicine by traveling to eastern countries like Tibet, Nepal, and Korea to study these methods.”

Rustamova recalls studying ancient traditions such as Ayurveda, ancient Chinese medicine, and Korean medicine. In addition to providing personal relief, these experiences inspired new methods she found herself using in the states.

“When it came to overcoming certain decisions, I realized that even though western medicine consistently advances, we never really know the root of certain problems in the human body,” Rustamova says. “I realized I can implement that in my approach to my practice and as a physician.”

Even so, Rustamova doesn’t limit herself. She uses a blend of the best practices, holistic and surgical, on a case-by-case basis and says she is thankful to have the tools for both.

“I truly believe in the ability of the human body to heal itself,” Rustamova says. “When a patient steps into my office, OBG/YN-related or not, I always have them sit down with me and I genuinely try to talk about their issues.”

The physician says this conversation provides a critical glimpse into the functions of each body.

“In ancient traditions, we divide the human body into elements: fire, air, earth, and wood,” Rustamova says. “This is an aid to determine what type of imbalance the patient may be going through and I’ll offer them natural methods such as supplements with natural minerals oral or through IVs.”

If patients are open to experimenting with alternative methods, Rustamova will first attempt amniotic-derived growth factors which have been shown to sometimes speed up healing processes.

“They seem to work and could be the best way we can handle these problems because you are assuring the entire body,” Rustamova says. “In some cases, it does not work, where I would offer the traditional medical approach. If a certain problem is not going away, then I will operate on them. I am blessed to have these modalities on the tip of my fingers.”

ABOUT CENTRAL PARK MEDICAL PRACTICE

Staffed and run by women, Rustamova’s office is nestled in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and offers a welcoming environment for obstetrical and gynecologic care. Mutual learning is the ultimate goal within the office—no matter the position or title. Rustamova works to promote healing and a deep love of the field within her own practice, up and down the East Coast, and beyond.

SUCCESS STORIES

“A number of my patients had problems with infertility problems and miscarriages. Just by alternating their lifestyle and using holistic methods, they were able to thrive. Someone I knew came to me and was told that her egg count was diminished and would need a donor's egg in order to get pregnant. When I put this patient on vitamins for three to six months, in six months she went back to her fertility specialist and they could not believe it was possible for her to not need a donor in order to get pregnant anymore. Now she has a baby who is five years old.”

“Many of my patients are tremendously busy and are usually in their 40s and 50s and experience major menopausal symptoms. When I start them on vitamins, a vast majority of them benefit from natural treatments, and those who do not see any results are then put on normal replacements, and their quality of life gets better.”

“I have patients who have incontinence, but with acoustic wave therapy and pelvic floor enhancement injections, a lot of them have fabulous results without surgery.”