Tiffany Grunwald, M.D., FACS, and Joni Chroman are co-executive directors of the Women’s Health and Wellness Institute at Providence Saint John’s. Together, the two leaders guide the institute’s medical and strategic programs and work with like-minded physicians, physician-scientists, surgeons and psychologists, nurses and patient navigators.

Dr. Grunwald, division chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at Providence Saint John's, is a leading specialist in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Throughout her career, Dr. Grunwald has worked extensively with breast cancer survivors to restore their natural breast shape following mastectomy. She is known for her personalized approach to care, as she develops long-term relationships with her patients and modifies solutions to fit their individual needs.

Joni Chroman is a seasoned health care operations and process improvement leader with a track record of building patient centered integrated health care programs. She is passionate about equitable access to preventive care, improved health outcomes and sustainability. With a focus on concierge care navigation and support services for our women’s health programs, Joni is the administrative leader responsible for top tier care delivery experiences for women throughout the lifecycle.

The Women’s Health & Wellness Institute is deeply committed to the clinical care and medical research efforts of women’s health and – as an industry leader – recognizes there is an opportunity to better support women as they navigate their health care journey.

With close proximity to multidisciplinary teams at Providence Saint John’s, the institute is primed to collaborate on a multitude of research projects to understand diseases, develop therapies, innovate minimally invasive solutions and discover cures.

Currently, numerous clinical trials are being conducted at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute in conjunction with the Margie Petersen Breast Center. Researchers are also exploring integrative medicine that blends conventional medicine with complementary care.

At the Women’s Health & Wellness Institute, we believe that education of both patients and physicians is key to creating awareness that leads to prevention, early detection and improved treatment outcomes for conditions and diseases. The institute’s mission centers on whole-person care for each patient and their families.

In addition to working one-on-one with patients, navigators host community events covering a range of topics, including cognitive exercises and fitness, women’s heart health, urinary incontinence, irritable bowel syndrome, mindfulness, mental health, meditation, genetics and navigating hormonal changes, among other areas of interest.

The institute leaders also are focused on training physicians through fellowships that enable doctors to elevate their skillsets, practice leading-edge techniques and provide better care to their patients. For example, the Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship program provides one graduate each year with real-world training and experience in breast cancer risk assessment, breast cancer screening, diagnostic workup, cancer treatments and survivorship strategies that helps emerging physicians become leaders in breast cancer care.

The institute will offer care in a thoughtfully designed, newly constructed building on 7,000 square feet of clinical space in our new Women’s Health & Wellness Center. This building, which is set to open in 2024, will serve as a dedicated area for women to be treated in a serene setting promoting comfort and healing.

The clinical space will house leading-edge equipment for the full spectrum of women’s care, including testing, diagnostics, imaging, and other technologies changing the health care landscape. The juxtaposition of a tranquil retreat addressing emotional needs when delivering top-notch health care, ensures women experience the best care for their health and well-being.

Some key features of the space include:

• A Wellness Boutique: This thoughtfully curated boutique allows patients to effortlessly peruse, and purchase therapies recommended by their providers. Designed to have a spa-like feel, this boutique stocked with restorative products also offers patients a moment of respite from the typical health care setting. The boutique will feature products such as balms, lotions, and bands that are used in physical therapy and acupuncture sessions, as well as specialty bras for lactation needs or cancer patients.
• Exam Rooms: The exam rooms are at the center of the patient care journey. The rooms are intentionally designed to foster ease, empowerment and tranquility for every patient. The quiet and confidential space keeps the focus on the important relationship between patients and their care providers.
• Physical Therapy Gym: In the gym, patients can participate in therapeutic activities like yoga, mindfulness, and meditation under the stewardship of trained caregivers. Here, guided by a holistic model of care, patients can experience programs that support their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It will be equipped with a Pilates Reformer, medicine balls, physio balls, various weights and resistance bands, yoga mats, and foam rollers.
• Physical Therapy Exam Rooms: In these rooms, patients will experience holistic and integrative medicine therapies such as acupuncture and massage, in an environment of comfort and serenity. Depending on individual needs, patients will have access to various treatment modalities, including electrical stimulation, muscle biofeedback, tissue decompression, and pelvic health accessories. These flexibly designed rooms enable healing and transformative care that seamlessly connects to all other aspects of a patient’s personalized treatment. Each room will feature adjustable treatment tables and supportive bolsters for patient comfort.
• Consult Rooms: In our specially designed consult rooms, women seeking care can be seen for an array of health needs. Patients can meet with nutritionists, mental health experts, midwives, and lactation specialists, all in an environment designed to make patients feel at home and at ease.
• Patient Navigator Room: An innovative approach to managing care, each patient is partnered with a patient navigator who helps coordinate appointments across specialties, verify insurance, manage any diagnostic and imaging needs as well as alleviate patient level barriers that may exist. Patient navigators are integral to ease the complexities in each patient’s health care journey and tend to overall well-being.

From adolescence to motherhood to menopause and beyond, the specialists and physicians at the Women’s Health & Wellness Institute not only provide preventive care, but also help prevent, diagnose and treat the diseases and conditions that can affect patients’ physical and emotional wellbeing.

The institute’s services are designed to accommodate the medical needs of all women, using an integrative and multidisciplinary approach to patient care. We have specialists in these areas: 

• Behavioral health
• Brain and cognitive health
• Breast health
• Cancer care
• Cardiac care
• Endocrine care
• Genetic testing
• Menopause and hormone imbalance
• Minimally invasive and robotic surgeries 
• Obstetrics and gynecology
• Prenatal care
• Well-women exams

Attending a support group helps provide insight and real-world experiences from others like you. Bringing loved ones to support group builds understanding of your journey.

Call today 833-336-7437 (833-3FOR-HER) to sign up for support at Providence Saint John’s.