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A New Face at Sky Lakes
Sky Lakes Women’s Health Clinic has welcomed Laura Matlock, DO, to its team of providers. Matlock offers care through all stages of life, with a special interest in helping teens and young women. She also values the chance to form lasting bonds with her patients.
Matlock loves her job because “you get to be in the hospital, do surgery, and have long-standing relationships with patients,” she explains. “And of course, you get to deliver babies, which is the best part of the job.”
Finding a Home in Klamath Falls
Matlock trained in Alabama before moving to Phoenix, where she worked in private practice for two years. Her husband grew up near Eugene and wanted to return to Oregon. Klamath Falls offered the couple plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities.
“We just fell in love with the area,” Matlock recalls. “There’s so much to do here, and people are so welcoming.”
The close-knit aspect of the community also stood out to her. Matlock says people in the Klamath Basin care about each other and offer support when their neighbors need it.
“I am beyond grateful that I get to stay in the Klamath Basin and serve this population of women,” she adds.
Caring for the Whole Person
Matlock’s approach to women’s health care goes beyond treating a single health concern. She looks at each patient’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. If a patient needs more support, Matlock can help connect her with other services and resources. She wants patients to understand their choices and take an active role in their care.
“I want patients to feel empowered and reassured when they leave an appointment with me,” she says. “I want them to know that they have options for health care and that they can make choices that are consistent with their values.”
Becoming a parent positively changed the way Matlock cares for patients during pregnancy. Going through pregnancy herself helped her understand worries that may not seem clear from a medical point of view. “You think you understand, and then you really understand,” she says.
A Safe Place for Questions
Matlock cares for patients of all ages. Her special interest in teen gynecology gives young patients a safe place to ask about periods, birth control, body changes, and sexual health. She also helps adults with pregnancy, breast health, menstrual changes, menopause, and other concerns.
Some patients may feel nervous or embarrassed about topics such as painful periods, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, or pain during sex. Matlock encourages them to speak up. “We are a safe place where we’re happy to talk about anything judgment-free,” she says.
Many health concerns have treatments or simple steps that can help. Sometimes, getting clear information can ease a patient’s fears. “If you have questions, let’s get them answered,” Matlock tells patients. “And if there’s an issue, let’s try to get it figured out.”
For women who have put off a checkup, Matlock offers a warm invitation: “Come see us. We will take good care of you.”
