Pelvic Health

Jan Morey is a certified Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner. She completed the NP program at the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center in 1993, after earning a bachelor's in Nursing at Marymount College and a bachelor's degree in Health from Kansas State University. Jan has been with Lawrence OB-GYN Specialists since 1995. Her background also includes working with the Douglas County Health Department in the Family Planning Program, and as a labor and delivery nurse in Manhattan, Kansas.

As he was growing up in Lawrence, Dr. Jon Heeb felt a tug toward medicine.  
“I was in junior high when I began thinking I wanted to become a medical missionary. I had a calling to care for people,” he said. “My grandfather gently talked me out of that, telling me that I had a beautiful community in Lawrence and there were a lot of people who needed help here. That resonated with me.” 
Dr. Heeb earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. It wasn’t until medical school that he really understood urology as a specialty, and he found that it fit his personality. 
“I’m a surgeon at heart, meaning that I like to be active in care, doing things and helping to solve problems.” 
After earning his medical degree, Dr. Heeb completed a surgical internship at St. Luke’s Hospital and specialty training in urological surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center.  
“Kidney stones are a big part of my practice. Many people have them and need help sooner rather than later – it can’t wait. We deal with a lot of bladder and urinary problems. I also have a special interest in women’s health, especially when it comes to prolapse and bladder issues.” 
Dr. Heeb understands that urological problems are very personal, and it can be hard to talk about them with a stranger. He wants his patients to know that he’s ready to listen. 
“One of the most important parts of getting a diagnosis is listening to my patients, understanding their problem and how it’s affecting their life. A lot of my patients come in and think they’re the only one in the world with this problem, and that’s just not true. I want you to know that you're not alone.” 

When Kathy Ramirez was in nursing school at Washburn University, she found her calling the day she spent a clinical rotation in the operating room. 
“I fell in love right away. I was in an eight-hour surgery and I was upset when it was time to leave. I knew that I wanted to start my nursing career in the OR.” 
And Kathy got lucky enough to do just that, spending the first 18 years of her career working in the operating room, recovery and pre-op at LMH Health. She returned to school at Washburn to earn her master’s degree in nursing and transitioned to a new career as a nurse practitioner. 
“I had a special interest in urology after working with one of the surgeons, and that’s where I landed. It’s been such a great fit. I love urology and helping people with all of their urologic issues.”  
Kathy is passionate about caring for women. She spends half of her time at Sunflower Pelvic Health where she sees women living with incontinence, prolapse and other female specific issues.  
“These are problems that impact your quality of life and get worse when you don’t treat them. It’s important to remember that you’re treating a person that could be your mom, your sister, or your best friend. The joy I get from helping people improve their quality of life is immense. That’s why I do this.” 
Kathy wants her patients to know that while she can’t turn back the hands of time, she can help improve your symptoms. But it’s important to remember that it will take time. 
“Don’t expect us to be able to alleviate all of your issues within one visit. Some of these issues may have been going on for years, and it may take us a while to identify the true issue and come up with a great plan for you. We want to help improve your quality of life.” 

Becoming a physician is something that Ryan Didde knew he wanted to do since he was young. He found inspiration close to home.
“My grandfather was a general practitioner and I was inspired by him. He passed away from a urologic related cancer, and that piqued my interest in urology as a specialty.”
Dr. Didde earned his undergraduate degree from Creighton University and his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his urology residency at the Creighton University School of Medicine.
“The medical conditions that I treat in urology are things that impact people every day. When I can make a difference in their lives, it’s really meaningful.”
He wants patients to know that they can receive the whole spectrum of care, right here in Lawrence. 
“It can be intimidating to go to a large center and wonder how it will be versus coming to a place that you know and can really feel comfortable. I’ll listen to you and address your specific concerns. I find that explaining to you what’s going on can be the most important thing to help us move forward with the treatment that’s best for you.”