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Get To Know Women's Health Specialist Tania Engle PA Internal Medicine

Vail Valley Medical Center is pleased to introduce Tania Engle a physician assistant (PA) specializing in women's health and chronic disease such as diabetes coronary artery disease and asthma. Tania received her biological chemistry degree from Bates College and her masters of science from the University of New England. Tania works out of the Edwards office and is fluent in English Spanish and Portuguese.

Q: Tell us about your background.

A: I have been a physician assistant (PA) for 12 years. Prior to my position now I worked at the Eagle Care Clinic in Edwards. I have also worked in cardiology at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore Maryland and Colorado Coalition for the Homeless in Denver.

Q: How did you get into your chosen field? 

A: I have always been interested in a person's overall health. As a provider it's important to me to have a wide-based knowledge of illnesses and diseases to maintain knowledge in all specialties and focus on the whole person.

Q: What do you like about Internal Medicine?

A: I get to treat the whole person.

Q: What do you see patients for?

A: Women's health issues: including wellness menopause menstrual irregularities diabetes hypertension depression headaches asthma breast abnormalities.

Q: What are the top three 3 most common questions you hear from your patients?

A: 1. How often do I need to get a pap smear? According to the July 2014 Annals of Internal Medicine new guidelines have been instated and women do not need a pap smear every year. The new guidelines indicate that for a woman between the ages of 21 to 30 it is recommended every two years 30 to 65 years of age should get one every three years and women between the ages of 65 to 70 may discontinue paps altogether. These guidelines are based on normal results in a patient's past health history and conversation with the patient's provider.

2. Do I need to treat my cholesterol? Treating cholesterol is based on risk factors and goals of the patient. I encourage women to get tested and discuss their results with their provider.

3. What can I do to prevent back pain? I encourage patients to strengthen core abdominal muscles stretch and/or do yoga on a regular basis. I recommend at least three times/week for 20 minutes or more.

Q. What are the top three bits of advice you would offer to women to maintain good health?

A: 1. Visit your provider yearly for blood work immunizations weight management breast exams (especially for women over 40) colon cancer screenings (especially for women over 50).

2. Get adequate sleep. 7-10 hours/night and a consistent sleep schedule are recommended.

3. Exercise on a regular basis. Speak to your internist to devise an exercise plan that is best for you.

For more information or to make an appointment with Tania Engle PA Internal Medicine contact (970) 477-3090.