Meet the Doctor: Kate Stampler, DO
Kate Stampler, DO, is a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon at Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia. She is the Division Chair of Gynecology and Section Chief of Minimally Invasive Gynecology. She is also an Assistant Program Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program. She sees patients at Einstein OBGYN offices on Old York Road in Philadelphia and in Jenkintown. She is considered an Einstein LGBTQ+ Clinical Specialist on the Pride team with expertise in gender-affirming care and surgical treatment.
Dr. Stampler is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and has a special focused designation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
We recently spoke with Dr. Stampler about her career, her interests, and gynecologic surgery at Einstein.
Q: Why did you decide to become a doctor?
A: I was always drawn to anatomy and science. Being part of the community and performing acts of service were also important to my upbringing. Becoming a physician really brought those areas together.
Q: Tell us about your education background.
A: I pursued my training locally starting at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I completed a traditional osteopathic rotating internship year at Delaware County Memorial Hospital and an obstetrics and gynecology residency at Lankenau Medical Center. I then did my fellowship in advanced pelvic and laparoscopic surgery at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Q: Why did you choose your specialty?
A: I chose it because I feel it is the best one! Even before I began medical school, I knew I wanted to do something surgical. Obstetrics and gynecology drew me in after I saw the close and long-term relationships the physicians had with their patients. They could also talk about anything and handle some of the most intense clinical situations while staying calm and directing the team. It was fun and fascinating, and I wanted to be in that club.
Q: What are your clinical interests?
A: I am interested in most things gynecologic, but my focus is gynecologic surgery. Minimally invasive surgery, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and robotics, as well as complex abdominal procedures, are part of my daily life. I also spend time working on best practices for improving surgical quality and education for our next generation of OBGYNs.
In college, I became interested in complementary and alternative medical approaches as well. These approaches focus heavily on the mind-body connection, something that subsequently drew me toward osteopathic medicine. Being curious and open-minded about real-world patient experiences, in conjunction with evidence-based and non-evidence-based approaches, allows me to best care for my patients
Q: What drew you to Einstein?
A: Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia houses some of the most talented physicians and surgeons in the area, all with a common goal – putting patients first for the best possible outcomes. It was important for me to work in a hospital that supports small- and large-scale projects to effect meaningful positive change.
Q: Why should people choose Einstein for their gynecologic surgical care?
A: We offer comprehensive, compassionate and affirming gynecologic surgical care. We use evidence-based medicine and the latest surgical technology, together with the patient’s goals, to develop an individualized plan.
We offer state-of-the-art robotics as well as vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (called vNOTES), which allows entry through the vagina but provides the surgeon with a better view through an endoscope. We use a multidisciplinary team approach for pelvic pain and endometriosis. Our hospital is also an area leader in LGBTQ+ care and reproductive justice. We genuinely care for, and about, our patients.
Q: What are your interests outside of work?
A: Spending time with my husband, daughter and pug as well as friends and extended family is my greatest joy. Baking and gardening are also very relaxing for me. I am hoping to get back into golf this year.
Q: Who was an early role model for you?
A: My parents were my early role models. They were, and still are, tremendously hard working and generous. Their curiosity for learning new things and the ability to meet new people are still so inspiring to me.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: I love to read, so I don’t think I could narrow it down to one at the moment. But I will always go for art, crime and forgery nonfiction. I will also read any cookbook I can get my hands on.
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: I could watch The Wizard of Oz or The Dark Crystal on repeat. Foreign horror movies are also some of my favorites.
Q: What is your favorite vacation spot?
A: A great campsite or a small bed & breakfast are my favorite spots. I’m looking forward to traveling again now that my daughter is getting a bit older.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant?
A: I would eat a crème brulee doughnut from Doughnut Plant in New York City every day if I could.
Q: What is an interesting fact about you?
A: My youngest brother and I share a birthday six years apart, which was completely unplanned. I was the first to get to hold him.
