Philippa J. Ribbink, MD

Dr. Philippa Ribbink joined The Oregon Clinic in 1997 as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist. In 2022, after 30 years of delivering babies, she changed her focus to vulvar dermatology. She also continues to see patients for preventative care as well as those with menstrual abnormalities, menopausal symptoms, gender dysphoria, or other gynecologic concerns. Like all of us, Dr. Ribbink was shaped by her own experiences. She grew up in the Philippines, Argentina, and South Africa before settling in the country where she was born, the Netherlands. She has been on several medical service trips to Ethiopia. As an immigrant herself, working with patients from other countries has convinced Dr. Ribbink of the universality of human suffering and human joy. Having undergone major surgery as a young child, Dr. Ribbink is aware of the importance of trauma-informed care (TIC) and has undergone training in TIC. Dr. Ribbink received her medical degree from Cornell University and completed her residency at University of Vermont where she was the Teaching Chief. She continues to teach as a clinical assistant professor at OHSU, helping gynecology residents perfect their surgical skills. Before becoming a physician, she received a BA in English Literature from Barnard College. She recently earned a Master’s in Fine Arts in Writing at Pacific University. She is thrilled to combine her love of medicine and her love of storytelling as a member of the Northwest Narrative Medicine Collaborative at OHSU and the Body Chronicles Program at Pacific University. Dr. Ribbink believes storytelling empowers both patients and providers to be fully present and better listeners.