When you’ve just been referred to a Gynecologic Oncologist, it is normal to feel a little overwhelmed. You may have received imaging results that alarmed you, or your gynecologist may have shared a concern about cancer with you. Your new patient consultation at Whole Health Oncology is designed to be the appointment where all of that starts to settle and answers to your questions can emerge.
Before you arrive, your provider will have already reviewed your records, imaging, and pathology, so that when you sit down together, the appointment can be spent on what actually matters: understanding where you are, what your options look like, and what feels right for you.
Dr. Shazia Bashir founded Whole Health Oncology around a simple idea: that women deserve more than a diagnosis and a treatment protocol. They deserve a partner in their health that sees them as a whole person, not just a chart. Dr. Bashir is double board-certified in gynecologic oncology and OB/GYN, trained at Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, and Cornell University, and she brings all of that expertise and genuine care into every new patient appointment she conducts.
When you’re ready, we would love to meet you. Request an appointment today.
At Whole Health Oncology, a new patient consultation is never rushed. Here’s what you can expect from the moment you arrive:
Our team reviews everything you send ahead of time: imaging, pathology reports, surgical notes, and prior records. By the time you sit down with your provider, she already knows your history. That means more of your appointment is spent talking and planning rather than catching up on paperwork, and you never have to feel like you’re starting your story from scratch.
At your new patient consultation, expect a full pelvic exam that will entail an exam of your external genitalia, a speculum exam, a bimanual exam (digital exam to feel the cervix, vagina and ovaries), and possibly a rectal exam. Dr. Bashir and her staff will do everything possible to make you comfortable during this exam.
Next, your provider will walk you through your options clearly and honestly, at a pace that works for you. Depending on what your records and exam reveal, your care plan might involve surgery, chemotherapy, an immunotherapy consultation, a radiation oncology consultation, or some combination of these. For every cancer case, your plan is also brought to our biweekly Tumor Board Conference, where a team of gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and oncology nurse navigators all weigh in together. It is one of the ways we make sure nothing is missed, and no option is overlooked.
From your very first visit, we’re also thinking about your well-being beyond treatment. Our THRIVE Program include yoga, breathwork, nutrition guidance, and more, because healing the whole person has always been at the heart of what we do.
Dr. Bashir is committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care. She understands that many women come to their appointments carrying the emotional impact of past medical experiences, previous trauma, or the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis. She strives to create a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where every patient feels heard, empowered, and involved in decisions about their care. By approaching each interaction with empathy, clear communication, and sensitivity to each woman’s individual experiences, Dr. Bashir helps patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their treatment journey.
At Whole Health Oncology, wellness support is not an add-on. Our THRIVE Program surrounds your clinical care with movement, breathwork, nutrition guidance, community, and one-on-one support from diagnosis through survivorship.
Most patients who come to Whole Health Oncology have been referred by a gynecologist, primary care provider, or another specialist. If you’ve been referred, your provider's office can send your records directly to our team ahead of your visit. Self-referrals are also welcome. If you’re unsure whether a referral is required by your insurance, we’re happy to help you sort that out when you reach out.
Absolutely. You’re welcome and encouraged to bring a family member or trusted friend to your new patient appointment.
Plan for about an hour to an hour and a half. Not only does this give Dr. Bashir enough time to complete a thorough exam, but it also leaves time for a one-on-one counseling session with our Wellness Counselor. We never want you to feel like you’re being rushed out the door.
That depends on what we find together. Some patients leave with a clear treatment plan, ready to move forward, and others may need additional imaging or testing before final decisions are made. Either way, you’ll leave knowing what the next step is and why.
Scheduling with Whole Health Oncology is easy. Either ask your gynecologist or primary care physician to fax us a referral to (904) 925-3351, give us a call at (904) 373-1177, or request an appointment online. Our patient coordinators will reach out to walk you through the next steps. We’re located in St. Augustine, Florida, and see patients from across Northeast Florida, including Palm Coast and the greater Jacksonville area. We look forward to welcoming you!