How ESSE Care’s founder overcame personal challenges to create a practice dedicated to holistic, patient-centered care

At ESSE Care, we’re more than a practice—we’re a community, a sanctuary for women navigating complex health journeys. Recently, Dr. Karli Provost Goldstein, the founder and dedicated heart behind ESSE Care, joined Erica Pasvar on The More Than Your Age Podcast to share her remarkable story of resilience, transformation, and hope. In this episode, Dr. Goldstein opens up about the experiences that shaped her approach to gynecology and women’s health, sharing her passion for creating a practice that goes beyond the typical medical setting to provide truly comprehensive care.

From the Arts to Medicine: An Unexpected Path to Healing

Dr. Goldstein’s journey into medicine wasn’t straightforward—it was shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to explore life fully. Beginning her studies in art and languages, Dr. Goldstein spent years abroad, deeply connecting with people from diverse cultures and gaining a unique perspective on human connection. For Dr. Goldstein, her early years learning languages and studying the arts weren’t a detour, but the foundation for a holistic approach to patient care that values each woman’s whole story.

“Medicine became more than a career choice for me; it was a calling,” she shared. “I wanted to take all the things I’d learned about humanity, empathy, and connection and bring them into healing.”

This non-traditional start in life laid the foundation for a practice model that sees beyond symptoms and checklists. At ESSE Care, we’re committed to hearing our patients’ full stories—understanding not just their conditions, but also their goals, fears, and dreams.

A Personal Battle with Endometriosis and Infertility

One of the most powerful parts of Dr. Goldstein’s story is her own battle with endometriosis and infertility—a journey that added layers of compassion and empathy to her work. Diagnosed with endometriosis during her medical residency, Dr. Goldstein faced the physical and emotional challenges of infertility, enduring multiple rounds of IVF and grappling with the uncertainties of her own health. She shared openly how difficult it was to balance the demands of her training with the personal weight of infertility.

“Becoming a patient within the very system I was training in transformed my perspective,” she reflected. “I understood on a personal level the isolation, the pain, and the determination it takes to manage these conditions.”

Her experience navigating endometriosis and infertility firsthand gave her a profound sense of the gaps in traditional healthcare and a clear vision of what ESSE Care could provide: a safe, supportive place where women dealing with complex gynecological conditions feel truly heard and understood.

Creating ESSE Care: A Practice Where Every Woman Feels Seen

It was through these experiences that Dr. Goldstein realized the deep need for a space that prioritizes whole-person, compassionate care—a place where women receive expert medical treatment, but also feel understood and supported in every facet of their journey. This vision inspired her to found ESSE Care, a practice designed to serve women dealing with endometriosis, adenomyosis, infertility, and other complex gynecological challenges.

“ESSE Care isn’t just about treating symptoms. It’s about recognizing each woman’s unique story and providing care that truly supports her well-being, physically and emotionally,” she said.

With this mission at the forefront, ESSE Care has become a sanctuary for patients seeking more than just medical expertise—they’re looking for understanding, compassion, and a partner in their health journey.

Technology Meets Compassion: Precision Surgery That Honors Each Patient’s Healing

One aspect of Dr. Goldstein’s work that she’s especially passionate about is the use of minimally invasive robotic surgery. This approach allows for tiny incisions, advanced visualization, and precise control, helping patients heal more comfortably with reduced scarring and shorter recovery times. Dr. Goldstein’s experience with robotic and laparoscopic surgery means she can offer her patients the most advanced, gentle options available.

“Robotic technology allows me to work with incredible precision, which means less pain, faster recovery, and ultimately, better outcomes for my patients,” she explained.

For Dr. Goldstein, the goal isn’t only successful surgeries; it’s creating a healing experience that’s as compassionate and personalized as possible, recognizing each woman’s strength and resilience in the face of health challenges.

Building a Network of Whole-Person Care for Comprehensive Wellness

While Dr. Goldstein’s expertise in advanced surgery is at the core of ESSE Care, she understands that healing extends far beyond the operating room. She’s developed a close network of trusted professionals—acupuncturists, functional medicine practitioners, pelvic floor therapists, nutritionists, and more—who share ESSE Care’s holistic approach. This network provides patients with integrated support, from medical treatment to lifestyle guidance, mental wellness, and physical therapy.

“Healing involves the whole person. At ESSE Care, we don’t just address a diagnosis. We address the mind, body, and spirit together,” she explained. “It’s about making sure women don’t feel alone or unsupported in any part of their care.”

Dr. Goldstein’s commitment to this integrated model allows patients to access a full network of wellness, where every professional is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care.

A Balanced Approach to Practice and Parenthood

One of the transformative choices in Dr. Goldstein’s journey was founding ESSE Care—a decision rooted in her desire to balance her dedication to her patients with her commitment to her own family. By opening her own practice, she was able to create a model that allows her to be fully present both at work and at home, ensuring her patients receive the best care while also honoring her role as a mother.

“I wanted to build a practice where I could give my patients everything they deserve while also being there for my family. ESSE Care is built around that balance,” she said.

For Dr. Goldstein, founding ESSE Care was about creating a life that reflects her values and her commitment to supporting women in every stage of life. This model means her patients receive her full attention and expertise in a setting that’s designed to honor both her family and her work.

Expanding Care Options: Mobile and Virtual Health Services

Dr. Goldstein’s commitment to making care accessible is central to the way ESSE Care operates. To ensure more women have access to high-quality gynecologic care, she provides a flexible range of options, including in-office visits, telehealth consultations, and even mobile appointments. With portable ultrasound technology, she can bring diagnostic care to patients who might not otherwise have access, supporting women across the country in convenient and innovative ways.

“My goal is to meet patients where they are and remove barriers to care. Whether they need to see me virtually, in a nearby office, or in a mobile setting, I want them to feel that their health matters,” she said.

This flexible approach to healthcare reflects Dr. Goldstein’s belief that every woman deserves compassionate care, wherever she is.

Empowering Women to Pursue Health, Happiness, and Their Dreams

Toward the end of the podcast, Dr. Goldstein shared some heartfelt advice for women who may feel limited by age, life circumstances, or past experiences. Her own story—filled with perseverance, adaptability, and a refusal to give up—serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to reclaim your health and pursue your dreams.

“Sometimes it’s about taking a step back, re-centering on what excites you, and letting go of any idea that there’s a perfect timeline. Each journey is unique, and there’s no expiration date on what you’re capable of achieving,” she encouraged.

At ESSE Care, Dr. Goldstein and her team are here to support women on every part of their journey, offering healthcare that’s as compassionate as it is comprehensive.

Your Journey to Whole-Person Wellness Begins Here

If you’re looking for healthcare that doesn’t just address symptoms but truly sees you as a whole person, ESSE Care is here to support you. Dr. Goldstein and her team are committed to providing care that respects your unique needs and your full story. We’re here to guide you in every aspect of your health journey, from advanced treatments to emotional support and beyond.

Dr. Goldstein’s interview on The More Than Your Age Podcast offers a heartfelt look into her path, her dedication, and her hope for the future of women’s health. Listen in to learn more about her mission to make healthcare truly holistic, empathetic, and transformative.