SMH leads group to overcome growing OB-GYN shortage

Sarasota Memorial Hospital partners with regional care networks to provide essential prenatal services amid growing lack of obstetricians nationwide.

By Observer Staff
| 2:00 p.m. July 18, 2025

Sarasota Memorial Hospital is leading a coalition of community organizations to fill the gap between prenatal care needs and a growing shortage of OB/Gyn physicians.

Sarasota
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The first trimester is a crucial time in a woman’s pregnancy, when obstetricians monitor fetal development, manage potential risks and help ensure a safe, healthy delivery. A shortage of OB physicians, however, is making accessing prenatal care a challenge for women here and across the nation.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, this shortage is projected to worsen, with some estimates predicting a deficit of up to 22,000 OB-GYNs by 2050.

In response, Sarasota Memorial Hospital has announced the formation of a pregnancy care team and OB nurse navigators to help women access the vital care they need throughout their pregnancy.

Leading the team are three experienced labor and delivery/postpartum nurses who serve as OB navigators, providing free guidance and a broad range of services and support that women may need throughout their pregnancy.

“We recognize the challenges that many families face during pregnancy, particularly those experiencing high-risk conditions,” said SMH Director of Women’s and Children’s Services Abby Olsen in a news release. “Our pregnancy care team and OB nurse navigators are here to support parents-to-be and provide the guidance and resources they need for a safe, healthy pregnancy.”

Among other services, the pregnancy care team provides:

Help finding a prenatal care provider who is the right match.
Access to prenatal education.
Lactation support and services.
Referrals for appointments and services.
Care coordination between health care providers.
Help accessing community and family resources.

Partnering with SMH are the Florida Department of Health-Sarasota County, CenterPlace Health and other providers to increase access to essential care. The program also receives support, referrals and assistance from Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, First 1,000 Days Suncoast, Florida Blue Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation and other not-for-profit community organizations working collaboratively to increase access to maternal-fetal care in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.

To reach the Pregnancy Care Team, call 941-917-6667 or visit the First 1000 Days Suncoast website at first100dayssuncoast.org.