Meno-Start™, founded by board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Shannon J. Cothran and certified fitness and nutrition coach Dulany Washington, offers a personalized and integrated approach to menopause. Thoroughly exploring patients’ needs, they develop individualized success plans focusing on hormone therapeutics, mental health, sexual health and metabolism management.
Q: What woman inspires you and why?
A: My former partner, Dr. Janice Emery. She navigated medical school and training when being a woman in surgical fields like gynecology was incredibly rare. A working mother in an unsupportive environment, she dedicated herself to improving medicine for future women doctors. Dr. Emery was always encouraging, never making me choose between career and family. She tragically passed away shortly after retiring, but her legacy lives on at Meno-Start. Her mentorship gave me the courage to leave corporate medicine and pursue my vision. I keep her picture in my office and hope she is proud of my new venture.
Q: What made you decide to open Meno-Start?
A: Women now live decades during and beyond menopause, yet many still lack a comprehensive understanding and support for this phase of life. With Meno-Start, I aim to create a welcoming space where women are provided with the medical consultation and support they need, along with collaboration and services to aid in their fitness, nutrition, bone health and overall well-being to enhance longevity and quality of life. By offering community-building activities, I hope to foster a supportive environment where women can forge friendships and thrive during this stage of their lives.
Owning my practice also allows me to lean into what makes me happiest: genuinely connecting with and caring for my patients. I love getting to know them and collaboratively crafting plans to meet their needs.