Catherine Frankowski-Szymczak has built a career in women’s health defined by leadership, innovation and a commitment to excellence in patient care. As chief operating officer and clinical director at Garden OB/GYN, she has shaped clinical protocols, standardized procedures, overseen budget management, acquisitions and facility maintenance, and fostered a collaborative environment for her staff. Her dual role requires balancing administrative oversight with clinical leadership, ensuring the practice remains at the forefront of medical advancements while providing high-quality care. She also drives her team to pursue continuing education and maintains strong relationships with hospital partners, further strengthening the practice’s reputation and operational success.
Dr. Szymczak grew up in a bilingual household in Jamaica, Queens as a first-generation American. She often assisted her parents, who immigrated from Poland, with English-language tasks, cultivating resilience, responsibility and early maturity. She initially planned to pursue pre-law studies at St. John’s University but was inspired by a family member to explore medicine. This led her to enroll in a six-year Doctor of Medicine program at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poland, where she developed clinical skills and a global perspective on health care. She earned a Doctor of Medicine, equipping her to navigate complex medical environments and assume leadership roles in patient care and practice management.
Over more than two decades of professional experience, Dr. Szymczak has become a recognized expert in business development, operational growth and relationship-building within health care. She has a hands-on leadership style rooted in experience, having learned every aspect of practice operations independently. This approach allows her to lead by example, earning the trust of colleagues who know she can step in to support teams during critical situations. Her expertise spans clinical oversight, workflow optimization, staff training and administrative management, combining technical knowledge with interpersonal skills to drive organizational excellence.
A defining feature of Dr. Szymczak’s career is her dedication to mentoring young health care providers. She has consistently guided new graduates to develop confidence and competence, often elevating their skills within a year to match those of seasoned practitioners. She helps providers identify their areas of specialization, encourages professional recognition, and equips them to manage patient care with authority and empathy. Her mentorship reflects her belief that cultivating talent is essential to sustaining high-quality health care delivery and fostering professional growth within her field.
Dr. Szymczak’s early professional experiences reinforced her focus on patient-centered care. While preparing for her board examinations, she worked alongside Dr. Terrani at Garden OB/GYN, identifying opportunities to improve workflow and support systems. This period cemented her dedication to enhancing both patient experiences and internal team dynamics, setting the stage for her eventual leadership of the practice. Her approach emphasizes empathy, efficiency and innovation, qualities that have consistently improved outcomes for patients and staff alike.
Beyond her professional life, Dr. Szymczak is committed to civic engagement and community well-being. She supports organizations such as March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society Inc., contributing her expertise and time to initiatives that improve public health. She balances her career with a rich personal life, enjoying outdoor activities, sports, gardening, exploring new restaurants and local travel.
Dr. Szymczak plans to expand her organization by introducing new services and extending its reach into additional regions, while maintaining the high standards that define Garden OB/GYN. She envisions taking on broader executive responsibilities within health care administration, continuing her mission to advance quality care, operational excellence and organizational growth. Her success is grounded in a determination to serve others effectively and a desire for improvement, qualities that define her professional trajectory and her approach to leadership.