the real mccoy
by Amber Wielkins; photography by Stevye Murray
A leader in her field, community-driven, and an adoring wife and mother, Dr. Amy McCoy, an OB-GYN at Bay Area Physicians for Women, is easy to admire and is so accomplished she leaves our heads spinning. Adding brilliant, down-to-earth, approachable, and funny to the list, our only question is, what’s not to love?
True confession? The ACCESS team is a big fan of Dr. Amy McCoy, and we have been for a long time. Possessing all the qualities of a woman who literally does it all, she makes it seem oh-so-effortless to boot. An esteemed practitioner and a star in the field of OB-GYN, she’s able to deliver both babies and straight talk in a manner that makes patients laugh andfeel better regarding all those female trials and tribulations, ranging from a lack of sex drive to low energy.
Smart as a whip and no stranger to an ACCESS photoshoot, she also loves the pampered glam her daily routine doesn’t permit, but we’ve learned her one rule — no hair straightening! Known for her wild locks, Amy prefers to stay true to her tresses. In total agreement, we oblige, acknowledging they’ve reached trademark status.
A born leader with more accolades than we can count, Amy plays an active role in her patients’ care while being a cheerleader for all the practitioners at Bay Area Physicians for Women. “Our practice is second-to-none in caring for women of all ages,” she shares. “I want our community to know about the services we offer and our superb medical team and specialists who offer the highest level of expertise. Since we’re entirely independent, we’re able to adapt to changing patient needs more quickly.” This is in addition to managing the group’s social media and getting the word out about new talent and technology at the practice.
While her credentials and patient reviews speak for themselves, Amy’s more than your average OB-GYN. “Easy to talk to” would be first on our list, because asking your doctor about intimate things can be hard, but not with her. Seriously, ask her anything and she’ll simply answer or gently correct inaccurate information. “I’ve had some interesting discussions and even removals of things the internet said would fix a problem,” she says. “If something sounds like it might work, ask your doctor if it’s safe. I’m here to help you, not judge you, and no question is too silly to ask.”
“I have the happiest job, bringing life into the world.”
With a strong family strategy in place, Amy’s successful career purview includes gynecology, obstetrics, and surgery alike. “I specialize in minimally invasive surgical techniques and obstetrics, but my practice is not limited at all,” she tells us. “Being an OB-GYN is one of the specialties with the craziest schedule,” she says, noting that only a day earlier, a plastic surgeon told her he doesn’t know how they do it all, much to her appreciation of someone understanding her many roles. “OB-GYNs do surgery, clinic, and deliver babies all in the same day, as well as seeing drop-in patients in labor and delivery who need you.”
A few things she’d like us to know? “If I’m running late, I promiseit’s for a good reason. People tend to think doctors who don’t deliver babies won’t run behind, but emergency gynecological surgeries throw our schedule off. Also, some appointments take longer since we don’t always know what’s going on until the patient’s there,” she explains. “I have the happiest job, bringing life into the world. Yet while that part is happy, we deal with a lot of unhappy things, too. Every pregnancy is not happy and healthy and we’re there helping moms with those emotional deliveries, as well. We diagnose people with cancer, give test results that sometimes affect marriages, and help patients with loss and infertility. So, yes, parts of my job are happy, but parts are emotionally draining. That being said, the emotional parts are equally worth it — those patients need us just as much.” See what we mean by calling Amy empathetic?
When it comes to work-life balance, Amy’s offers advice which could benefit us all. “I’ve learned it’s okay to say no. We physically can’t do it all.” And that advice is perhaps the best gift of all and why she is, indeed, the real McCoy.
3715 Dauphin Street, Building 2, 3rd Floor, Mobile
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This post was edited for length. Read the full article in the December 2021 issue of ACESS Magazine available at your favorite local stockist.
Hair + Makeup Erin Burgess, Southern Roots, 239.777.8889
Shot on Location at Fairhope’s Jubilee Suites Boutique Hotel JubileeSuites.com
Vintage 1957 Chevy courtesy of Coastal Cruisers Classic & Antique Limousine Services, 251.979.6026
