As a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Academy of Integrative Health in Medicine, Whitney E. West, MD, joined the medical profession because of her desire to serve the underserved. When she was 8 years old, she originally aspired to become a veterinarian but changed her ambitions in her first year in college. During a public speaking class, she had the opportunity to address the subject of unhoused individuals while her classmates spoke about animal rights. Dr. West was shocked by the lack of attention paid to her chosen issue, thus sparking her career pursuit.
Since 2023, Dr. West has found success as a physician at the Helen Keller Hospital in Sheffield, Alabama. In 2024, she launched her private practice, Whitney West, MD, PC, where she serves as a physician and the owner of the business. As a purpose-driven professional with a steadfast focus on her ideals, she is committed to helping her patients achieve wellness through appropriate treatment. Dr. West believes that everything she does should be for the benefit of her patients. Committed to continual improvement, professional development, and lifelong learning, she strives to do the right thing personally and professionally – working to become the best individual, mom, and doctor she can be.
Dr. West is devoted to her patients and treats them like family members, believing that excellent patient care comes first, no matter what. She always tries to educate her patients, giving them reading materials to reflect on after leaving her office. Proud of her professional relationships, she has developed an outstanding rapport with her staff. Dr. West notes that many staff have followed her from office to office throughout her career. She is honored to have such loyalty from her colleagues.
As part of her journey, from 2004 to 2012, Dr. West was a consultant physician at the Student Health & Wellness Center at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. At the same time, she worked as the president, owner, and physician of Essential Health PC. From 2013 to 2014, Dr. West was a physician at Premier OB/GYN LLC, later serving as a physician at South Huntsville OB/GYN and Huntsville Hospital before accepting her current roles. She attributes her success to her faith in God, perseverance, determination, respect, empathy, and commitment to treating patients with compassion. She maintains affiliation with the National Medical Association and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
Setting solid foundations for her career, Dr. West earned a Bachelor of Science from Howard University, a private, historically Black research institution in Washington, D.C. She went on to attend Meharry Medical College, also a historically Black institution, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine in 1997. In 2001, Dr. West completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology with the University of Pennsylvania Health System, launching her professional trajectory in the health care field.
As a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. West is proud to serve women of all ages. She works hard to connect with them and offer them the best care possible, often navigating difficult personal and intimate issues. Recognized repeatedly for her accomplishments and excellence as a physician, she has received multiple awards and accolades. Dr. West was honored by Marquis Who’s Who as a Top Doctor and a Top Entrepreneur in 2023. Alongside her primary roles, she cares for her community by contributing to the Patricia Haley Charity as well as other causes and people in need.
While staying on top of advances in her field, as is essential, Dr. West is learning the balance and discipline of remaining calm and centered. She keeps friends close, often seeking advice from the people she trusts. With more than 25 years of experience in health care, she has faced her share of obstacles and is proud of her professional longevity. Looking forward, Dr. West hopes to build a platform to share her ideas and host a podcast. Currently, in her spare time, she enjoys attending her children’s soccer matches.