Biography
Dr. Guggenheim grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. She attended Colgate University in upstate New York, with a major in art and art history. After graduation, she joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Guinea, West Africa, working in public health and community development. She worked in a small health center with no electricity or running water. During this time, Dr. Guggenheim presented public health talks to the community and helped with vaccination tourneys. She delivered her first baby in the middle of the night, by the light of a flashlight. This was not the plan, but it’s what transpired when she was alone in the clinic and a patient arrived experiencing an extremely quick delivery. While Dr. Guggenheim was in West Africa, she fell in love with health care and decided to pursue medicine as a career.
What makes Colorado home to you?
My family enjoy skiing, hiking, and traveling.
What are your passions outside of work?
I have been married to my fabulous husband since 1999. We have three children, who keep us busy when we are not working. Physical activity is an important my life, I practice yoga, I run, and takes a variety of cycle and kinesis classes.
Why did you become an OB/GYN?
The excitement of working in a small medical clinic in West Africa captivated me. I worked closely with the midwives and doctors. During this time, I fell in love with healthcare and the decided to apply to medical school. In medical school, I found that I was still drawn to caring for women. I was enthralled with pregnancy, and other aspects of women’s health care.
What in your career are you most proud?
I am proud and humbled that patients/people trust me to take care of them.
What is the most important part of your job?
The most important part of my job is listening to my patients and helping them to craft a health care plan that works for them.
Publications:
- Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever During Pregnancy: A Case Report, Jennifer Guggenheim, MD, Albert Haverkamp, MD, Journal of Reproductive Medicine, (Journal Reproductive Medicine September 2005;50:727-729)
- The Genetics of Alcoholism: A Review of the Evidence and Ethical Implications Guggenheim J, UCHSC, Dept of Psychiatry web site (student essays), 1998
Affiliations
- American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- Medical Wings
Work in the Community:
- My Peace Corps experience is what piqued my interest in pursuing medicine.
- I often go on medical missions to underserved areas, such as Haiti and El Salvador.
Locations
Specialties
Education:
University of Colorado
Obstetrics and gynecology at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital, Denver, Co
Experience:
2006