MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT Dr. Virginia Burnett, an OB/GYN specialist, checks her schedule. Advertisement

Dr. Virginia Burnett brought her expertise in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) to Pahrump in November 2007, as part of Mountain Valley Physicians Group.

She received her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa and completed her residency in OB/GYN in Detroit, Mich.

She is working toward board certification and plans to obtain a master's degree in health administration as soon as her practice gets well established and she is board certified.

Her office is located next to Desert View Regional Medical Center, in a modular building across from the emergency room.

She is taking new patients for all related needs and welcomes questions. "I like people who are motivated to take care of themselves. The growth of a baby is always different and there is a wide variety of issues in caring for women," she said.

She admits her specialty can be challenging but feels she received excellent training in downtown Detroit where many people had challenging gynecological issues and high-risk pregnancies.

Burnett commented that "I was planning on Las Vegas but I'm glad I picked Pahrump. I want to be where I'm most needed."

Burnett performs all surgeries and deliveries at Desert View Regional Medical Center.

She offers a variety of women's services but does not do voluntary abortions. "I believe in the sanctity of life but I also know life can throw you a curveball. Each woman must make her own decision when it comes to this. I am here to help her make that decision and to refer as needed."

Burnett is also offering male circumcision, for her patients that want the procedure done, before the infant leaves the hospital.

She does plan to use osteopathic manipulation in her practice and encourages anyone who wants to be a doctor to "make sure of what you want and go for it. Don't let anything stop you.

"If you like thinking through things and believe in the whole body concept, go to osteopathic medical school. If you like things more straightforward, go to allopathic medical school. The medical knowledge is the same but the philosophies and focus are different. That's partly why it's called the practice of medicine."

Her husband, Richard McDonald, plans to establish a unique biomedical research foundation in Nye County. While still in the planning stages, it will focus on developing novel approaches to treating cancer, type I diabetes, AIDS and other diseases.

For appointments or questions, contact Kathie Robbins at 775-751-7519.