Cervical Health Is Community Health: A Conversation with Dr. Jare Melanie Philip

Cervical Health Is Community Health: A Conversation with Dr. Jare Melanie Philip

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month — a timely reminder of the importance of regular screening, early detection, and access to care, especially in underserved communities. At Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. (PAGNY), we're proud to highlight the work of dedicated providers like Dr. Jare Melanie Philip, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, who is deeply committed to advancing women's health across all stages of life.

We sat down with Dr. Philip to learn more about what inspires her, the life-saving work being done in colposcopy clinic at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, and why this mission is personal.

“I was drawn to women’s health very early on,” Dr. Philip shares.

“It started off as a fascination with birth and the birthing process. As I gained more exposure, I learned that it was so much more.”

For Dr. Philip, being a women's health provider is about more than clinical care. It’s about walking alongside patients through some of life’s most pivotal moments.

Dr. Philip’s work in the colposcopy clinic is especially meaningful and powerful in its potential for impact.

“Cervical health and the work that my colleagues and I do in colposcopy clinic is especially meaningful because it is an opportunity to work toward eradicating cervical cancer in a high-risk population. It is possible! Early detection and management are key.”

When asked what she wishes more people understood about cervical cancer prevention, she emphasizes their need to know the seriousness of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the importance of follow-up care.

“Many cervical cancers have been linked to the HPV. It is one of the most common viruses out there. There are ‘low risk’ and ‘high risk’ strains. High risk strains increase your risk of certain cancers, including cancer of the cervix, vagina, and vulva.”

“Testing positive for a high-risk strain does not mean you will get cervical cancer, but it is a reason for more frequent follow-up testing. HPV is a virus, so there is no medication to treat it, but there are ways to prevent it through vaccination. Patients are eligible up to the age of 45, so everyone should be talking to their gynecologist about it.”

At NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, the colposcopy clinic plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive the follow-up care they need — especially those who might otherwise go without it.

“Many of our patients come from backgrounds where there are barriers to regular gynecologic care. These patients are disproportionately impacted by underscreening, which can lead to a delayed diagnosis of cervical cancer. By having a dedicated colposcopy clinic, we can have continuity of care with higher-risk patients. Again, early detection and management is key.”

A native New Yorker, Dr. Philip’s journey to PAGNY is both personal and purposeful. “As a native New Yorker, I always knew I would make my way back home to do my part in taking care of New York City’s culturally diverse community. PAGNY offered that opportunity, and it is the reason I am still here. It gives me great pleasure being able to provide high-quality care to those that need it most.”

Dr. Philip’s passion and perspective remind us that cervical health is more than a clinical issue. It’s a matter of equity, access, and education. This Cervical Health Awareness Month, we encourage all patients to speak with their providers about HPV vaccination, routine screenings, and what steps they can take toward prevention.

Because when we support women’s health, we strengthen entire communities.