Laura N. Dabinett, M.D.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Dr Dabinett is married to Russell McKelway.  Russ is her soul mate, psychiatrist and father of her two darling daughters, Madeline and Olivia.  Both girls are grown and pursuing careers in economics.  When she is not working at the Women’s Center, Laura loves to hike, bike and garden.  She lives on a farm in Clarke County which has been placed in conservation easement.  They hope to create an oasis for native plants and wildlife.  When not digging in the dirt, she can be found sailing with Russ on the Chesapeake Bay.

BIOGRAPHY

Laura Dabinett grew up in Arlington, Virginia, the oldest in her military family.  She attended the University of Virginia graduating in 1982 with a bachelor’s in biology.  From there she continued to medical school at UVA where she met her husband Russell.  Because of his program, Lori remained in Charlottesville for internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology.  A faculty position was offered to her but the young couple were more interested in patient care than research so they moved to Winchester.

In 1990, Laura joined Winchester Obstetrics and Gynecology.  She delivered babies and practiced specialty gynecology.  Because of the long night hours, she never felt like she was giving her gynecologic patients her best.  She also believed strongly that if we cared better for patients before and between pregnancies, we could have better outcomes.  Without the night work, she knew she could devote herself more fully to the common issues women suffer that have adverse effects on their pregnancies and families.  In 2001, she started her solo practice of gynecology.  A year later, Dr. Carolyn Wilson and Dr. Frank Irianni joined together to start the Women’s Center of Winchester.

Since 2001, Dr. Dabinett has enjoyed the focus of her work.  She has had the time to immerse herself in the best science and surgery available to help women of all ages navigate life’s challenges.  She loves to care for the myriad of problems that come up, from anxiety to bleeding to menopause.  Her happiest moments are when she changes a woman’s life for the better.

In 2014, Dr Dabinett was called to start a gynecologic mission to the women of Jacmel, Haiti.  She has made numerous trips with many healthcare professionals to provide basic women’s health care to these impoverished women.  One of these providers is Dr. Kristin DeHaven, a dynamic and talented gynecologist.  Laura is proud to have her begin her gynecologic practice at the Women’s Center of Winchester.  Kristin brings hard work, humor and outstanding skills to our patients.

Every day in the office, Dr. Dabinett is honored and humbled to serve her patients.  She is supported by a wonderful nurse practitioner, Lynda Miller, and devoted staff.  She strives to listen with her whole heart and give each person exactly what they need to be whole. This includes education on life’s transitions and an emphasis on healthy living and prevention of chronic disease.  Finally, Dr. Dabinett tries her best to practice what she preaches day in and day out.  She welcomes you into her circle.

EDUCATION

BA in Biology from the University of Virginia, 1982

Doctor of Medicine, University of Virginia, 1986

Internship and Residency, University of Virginia, completed 1990

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Board Member, Powhatan School

Board Member, Blueridge Wildlife Center,

Founding Member, Concerned Citizens of Clarke County (2006 to 2010)

Trustee, Shenandoah University (2008 to 2018)

Director Women’s Health, Community Coalition of Haiti (2014 to present)

Gynecologic Surgeon for the Free Medical Clinic of Winchester

AWARDS

Lester Wilson Award for Teaching Excellence

Winchester Woman of the Year

Terry Sinclair Award at the Free Medical Clinic

2019 Jim Wilmot Humanitarian of the Year Award, for service to the people of Haiti