Meet Jila Senemar | Obstetrician & Gynecologist Women’s Health and Menopause Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jila Senemar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jila, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
Throughout my career as an OB-GYN, I’ve had the privilege of guiding women through transformative moments in their lives. As an obstetrician, I felt confident managing challenging situations, from high-risk pregnancies to complicated deliveries. However, I soon became aware of my inexperience when it came to perimenopausal and menopausal patients. Encountering women undergoing profound changes, I realized I lacked the knowledge to fully support them.

One patient, Maria , came to me feeling lost and overwhelmed as she faced the onset of menopause. Her emotional and psychological struggles highlighted a gap in my understanding—an entire area of women’s health that wasn’t addressed in my training. This realization ignited a passion for self-education. I sought resources, attended workshops, and connected with experts, uncovering the complexities of hormonal changes that accompany midlife.

What I discovered was transformative: midlife is not just a time of loss, but an opportunity for renewal and empowerment. I shared this perspective with Maria, and together we explored options for managing her symptoms. Witnessing her transformation into an advocate for herself and others inspired me to further develop my practice.

Today, as a well-versed expert in women’s health, I strive to educate my patients about the changes they may face and empower them to embrace their journeys. My experience has taught me that while I can manage any clinical challenge, it’s the emotional support and understanding of these life transitions that truly make a difference.

What should our readers know about your business?
My path into women’s health has been a rewarding yet challenging journey. Growing up, my fascination with the human body and the resilience of women led me to pursue a career in medicine. At the beginning of my career in private practice, I found myself as one of the few female OB-GYNs in my community, which brought its own set of challenges. Compounding this was the fact that I was a mother of three children under the age of three, starting with a new group practice. I had to figure out my work-life balance quickly, navigating the demands of both my professional and personal life.

As I began my practice, I encountered patients who were desperate for answers about their symptoms, often feeling dismissed or misunderstood. This highlighted the significant gap in education and resources available regarding midlife health. Facing skepticism from some colleagues and navigating a healthcare system focused on acute care only fueled my determination to advocate for women’s health.

The turning point came when I sought out answers and care for myself as I was facing the midlife challenges and realized the lack of treatment and expert providers. I stumbled upon my soon to be mentors and resources dedicated to midlife women’s health. Their guidance opened my eyes to the wealth of knowledge in this often-overlooked area. Immersing myself in research and connecting with experts equipped me to address my own as well as my patients’ unique challenges and fostered a sense of community.

What excites me most about my practice today is the opportunity to make a profound impact. I am passionate about educating women about menopause, helping them understand it as a transformative phase filled with potential. Empowering my patients to take charge of their health and providing them with the support they need inspires me every day. The resilience and strength of the women I work with continuously motivate me to advocate for improved care and understanding in this vital area of women’s health.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is so much culture and history in Miami to explore. Here are some of my favorite spots. Day 1: South Beach
– Morning: Breakfast at Big Pink, then explore South Beach and Ocean Drive.
– Evening: Dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab, followed by live music at Mango’s Tropical Cafe.
Day 2: Wynwood and Design District
– Morning: Visit Wynwood Walls to see street art.
– Afternoon: Lunch at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, then explore the Design District.
– Evening: Dinner at Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, with live music at The Fillmore.
Day 3: Downtown Miami and Little Havana
– Morning: Breakfast at La Carreta, then visit Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM).
– Afternoon: Lunch at Verde at PAMM, then explore Little Havana.
– Evening: Dinner at Ball & Chain with live music.
Day 4: Coral Gables and Coconut Grove
– Morning: Breakfast at The Biltmore Hotel.
– Afternoon: Relax at the Venetian Pool, then lunch at Books & Books.
– Evening: Explore Coconut Grove, with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Key Biscayne and Museums
– Morning: Breakfast at a café in Key Biscayne, then visit Crandon Park.
– Afternoon: Explore the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.
– Evening: Dinner at Rusty Pelican with views of the skyline.
Day 6: Art and Culture
– Morning: Visit the Frost Museum of Science.
– Afternoon: Lunch in Downtown Miami, then explore the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
– Evening: Attend a show or concert at the Arsht Center.
Day 7: Relaxation and Departure
– Morning: Brunch at a beachside café.
– Afternoon: Last-minute shopping or beach time before departure.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my journey, I have listened to countless patients who described their symptoms and felt desperate for answers. Many were gaining weight without making any changes to their lifestyle and were confused about what was happening to their bodies. Their stories highlighted a significant gap in understanding the complexities of hormonal changes and the emotional challenges that accompany this life stage.

I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to the incredible mentors who inspired me to become a women’s menopause and health specialist. Doctors like Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Corinne Menn and countless other amazing women’s health specialists and advocates opened my eyes to the importance of addressing the often-overlooked area of midlife women’s health. Their dedication and expertise motivated me to delve deeper into this field.

What inspires me most is the resilience of the women I encounter. Their courage to seek help and share their experiences not only empowers them but also fuels my passion for this work. It’s a reminder that every conversation can lead to greater awareness and understanding, paving the way for improved health and well-being for all women navigating this pivotal stage of life.

Website: https://www.jilamd.com

Instagram: @jilasmd

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jila-senemar-md-0ab42783/