Cheryl Bernadette Iglesia, MD

Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

Cheryl B. Iglesia, MD, FACOG, FPMRS, is Director of the Section of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Director of the National Center for Advanced Pelvic Surgery (NCAPS) at MedStar Health, an internationally renowned center that combines urogynecology and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. She is also Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Urology at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Dr. Iglesia and her colleagues are internationally and nationally recognized for their work in advancing the clinical, academic, research, and other innovative aspects of advanced pelvic surgery and urogynecology. The NCAPS faculty has received numerous awards for their excellence in research, teaching clinical trials, leadership, and administration. The MedStar Health—Washington Hospital Center Fellowship Program in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery is recognized as one of the top urogynecology fellowship programs in the country and one of the few fellowships that combine urogynecology and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

As a double board-certified physician in Ob/Gyn and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery with more than 30 years in the field, Dr. Iglesia specializes in diagnosing and treating pelvic floor disorders, including urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, and pelvic organ prolapse. She also specializes in treating complex pelvic floor complications after prior surgery, including urinary and bowel fistulas; complications after pregnancy and childbirth, including pain from episiotomies and lacerations, as well as accidental bowel and bladder leakage; and complications after cancer treatment, such as sexual health issues and vaginal dryness. She has special expertise in managing complications associated with transvaginal mesh and its removal.

Philosophy of Care

“My philosophy of care goes hand-in-hand with my philosophy of life. At the end of the day, life is about how you treat others. I treat my patients, as well as my colleagues including the administrative staff, nurses, medical office assistants, advanced practice practitioners, and learners in training, with the highest respect.

“I provide care and practice to the highest level of medical evidence. I want my patients to have access to the most groundbreaking treatments, but there must be evidence of their safety and efficacy. The advantage of getting care at a renowned medical teaching institution such as MedStar Health and Georgetown University School of Medicine is that patients have access to novel treatments through clinical trials, where we evaluate the new technology using outcomes that matter most to patients.

“I don’t operate on strangers. I feel strongly that it’s important to listen to patients, to understand what their goals and expectations are, and to have an honest conversation about how we can help them best achieve those goals.

“I’m passionate about educating doctors in training and giving my all to spread knowledge to the next generation of pelvic reconstructive surgeons–that is a significant part of my legacy.

“A saying that really speaks to me is, ‘Work won’t love you back.’ I know this to be true because only family and close friends can fill that need. But I firmly believe that work can bring you joy. I’m so joyful about the work I do. Some of the conditions I treat can be very debilitating and embarrassing, and significantly affect our patients’ quality of life. I really enjoy being able to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. It’s a true privilege and honor.”