Two OB/GYNs Join the Team, Expand Practice at MPC Women's Center Council Bluffs

COUNCIL BLUFFS – Dr. Norman Ferrer and Dr. Erik Schulte were inspired by their fathers – both obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYN) – to pursue careers centered on caring for women.

Both providers now join existing Methodist OB/GYNs – Dr. Maureen Boyle-Manganaro, Dr. Emily Lange and Dr. Lori Platt – to expand services at Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center Council Bluffs. Also joining the practice are:

• Desiree Hericks, CNM
• Melissa Hynek, APRN
• Rebecca Leaders, APRN
• Stephanie Revord, APRN

Dr. Ferrer and Dr. Schulte, along with the rest of the new staff, previously worked for Metro OB-GYN. They are excited to continue serving Council Bluffs and surrounding communities.

“The thought of taking care of patients throughout the course of their lifetime – specifically women – was something I thought I could do really well,” Dr. Schulte said.

Dr. Schulte enjoys delivering babies and the surgical aspect of being an OB/GYN.

Dr. Ferrer agrees. His favorite part of the job is “seeing a happy mother and a happy father.”

“I see so much emotion from families,” Dr. Ferrer added. “That’s the part that’s very rewarding.”

Born in Puerto Rico, Dr. Ferrer graduated from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Cayey. He completed his OB/GYN residency at the San Juan Municipal Hospital in his hometown of San Juan. Fluent in English and Spanish, Dr. Ferrer is passionate about serving those who often run into language barriers when trying to access health care.

He is proud to be a part of the Methodist Health System, working alongside such a compassionate group of professionals.

“For me, The Meaning of Care is in your bedside manner,” Dr. Ferrer said. “How you interact with your patients. Sending a message that you care.”

Dr. Ferrer refers to himself as a “family guy.” He enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons. He also likes reading, watching movies and traveling back home to see his parents in San Juan.

Dr. Schulte graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Des Moines University. He spent one year as an intern at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed his OB/GYN residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

His approach to providing quality care to women is treating them as if they were his family member or friend – “not herding them through, but being able to individualize care for each person.”

Dr. Schulte makes it a point to get to know his patients on a personal level and address all aspects of their health – mental and physical.

Outside of work, he and his wife stay busy keeping up with their triplets’ extracurricular activities. He enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising and relaxing when he has some downtime.

Dr. Ferrer and Dr. Schulte are now seeing patients at Methodist Physicians Clinic Women’s Center Council Bluffs (201 Ridge Street, Council Bluffs) until the new medical office building adjacent to Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital opens in spring 2020. Appointments can be made by calling (712) 396-7880.