A Medical Ministry of Hope
Article by: Judy Mays
Dr. Lauren Dungy - Poythress is an accomplished physician specializing in maternal – fetal medicine. She is in fact the Medical Director of Maternal – Fetal Medicine Community Health Network of Indianapolis. As an educator, she promotes the health and well being of mothers and their unborn children. As a woman, physician, educator, wife and mother, her hope is built upon her Christian belief that God is good and God is in control.
“What consistently affords me hope is the knowledge that God is good and God is in control. I put my hope and trust in Him. I am blessed to be working for a fine organization, in a wonderful office, with great colleagues and staff. I am very blessed and it is my desire to be a blessing by serving others. Medicine is just one capacity for doing that”, said Dr. Dungy – Poythress.
“We see a variety of patients who are referred to our office for maternal medical conditions such as lupus, diabetes, hypertension, or asthma. Also, patients related to maternal medication, identified or suspected fetal abnormalities or drug exposures. Patients are reminded (because their referring physician has typically previously discussed these concerns) of the fetal risks associated with smoking including intrauterine growth restriction (impaired fetal growth), placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine wall associated with bleeding and pain – and fetal compromise), and possibly fetal demise. In addition, there are risks of maternal disease such as lung cancer, cervical cancer and coronary artery disease associated with cigarette smoking, as well as the long term potential effects(e.g.) asthma to children where smoking occurs.”, she said.
“ I went into the field of maternal fetal medicine after completing my ob-gyn residency because I enjoy the field of obstetrics and I wanted to be skilled and prepared to handle any complications that may arise when a patient becomes high risk”, she added.
Married for 13 years to Dr. Wesley Poythress, the couple has two daughters, Lauren Denise, age 10, and Davia age 6. As a family they enjoy traveling, movies, playing games and, of course, going to Colts football games, watching the game and enjoying the success of her brother, Coach Tony Dungy.
In her personal time, the inspirational doctor enjoys listening to music or reading books that are spiritual and uplifting as well as watching a good movie.
“I think that all Christians have a ministry. For some it’s in a church as a pastor. For others, ministry is less “traditional.” It may be as a mother, coach of a football team, or teacher. God has a plan for everyone’s life. We need to seek God to understand what that plan is. According to Jeremiah 29:11; it is a good plan.”
Indeed, it is a plan of hope for the future.
Dr. Dungy – Poythress is a much sought after speaker. She is quoted as telling an audience, “ Focus on God,. Keep your eye on the prize and move forward.”
