Dr. Diana Hoppe, MD, FACOG, always wanted to spend more time with her patients so she could more effectively get to the root of their health concerns. “The average patient in our current healthcare system gets about seven minutes with their doctor,” she says. “That’s just not enough time.” So in 2011, Dr. Hoppe opened her own practice in order to spend as much time with her patients as she wanted to. “Now I have the opportunity to create a true partnership with my patients,” she says. “We get the chance to find out what areas in their life feel unbalanced and work on those areas. We discuss ways that they can take better care of themselves and live the fullest life possible.” This Encinitas-based gynecologist now runs a thriving private practice where she specializes in numerous areas of women’s health including weight loss, peri-menopause, menopause and libido issues.

In fact, she is so passionate about the subject of women’s libido that in April 2010, she released her book “Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You: What your Libido Reveals about Your Life.” According to Dr. Hoppe, “I had been conducting clinical trials with pharmaceutical companies, so I was interviewing hundreds of women. And what I discovered was that most of them had low sex drives. I just had to find out what was going on.” In the book, Dr. Hoppe discusses what is at the root of many women’s intimacy problems, shares the benefits of a healthy sex drive, and offers an abundance of tips to help reignite the flames of passion.

Dr. Hoppe shares that her ultimate mission is to help women really take a look at their lives and say “The time is now to take care of me!” That is why she offers wellness programs that are individually tailored to each patient. “Some patients come in a few times a year, and some patients come in once per month; it really depends on what health concerns we are dealing with,” says Hoppe. For instance, if one of her patients is doing her 10-day Clean Burn Shape weight loss program, they might only need to see Dr. Hoppe a few times; while somebody working with adrenal fatigue, hormone issues and low libido might prefer to see Dr. Hoppe on a monthly basis until their symptoms smooth out. Whatever health concerns may be presented, this vibrant doctor ensures that each of her patients feels nurtured on their quest to better their health.

Speaking of vibrant, Dr. Hoppe is also excited for the upcoming Vibrantly You: Women’s Wellbeing Symposium that is being held May 15 in Rancho Santa Fe. The symposium is intended help empower women with knowledge on healthy living. “Knowledge is power,” says Dr. Hoppe. “And it’s time for a transformation for women.”

Those in attendance will learn more about how to take charge of their health and well-being so that they can lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Dr. Hoppe and other speakers including Dr. Lauren Noel, owner of Shine Natural Medicine in Solana Beach and host of the popular Dr. Lo Radio show on iTunes, will address topics such as adrenal fatigue, hormones, poor libido and stress. “We’ll also discuss taking better care of ourselves with supplementation, better nutrition and using foods as medicine.”

Each attendee will receive a goodie bag with samples and coupons and a take-home workbook. The event will also feature appetizers, wine and beverages.

“I’m really excited about the symposium,” says Dr. Hoppe. “When women come together in groups like this, nothing short of magic can happen.”

The Vibrantly You: Women’s Wellbeing Symposium is being held May 15 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rancho Sante Fe Garden Club, 17025 Avenida De Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe. To register, visit Vibrantly-You.com.

Dr. Diana Hoppe’s office is located at 317 N El Camino Real, #310, Encinitas. For more information, call 760-635-5600 or visit DrDianaHoppe.com.