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Postpartum Depression in Practice - From Universal Screening to Individualized Treatment Within OB/GYN Settings

Credits Available: 4.75 hours of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ with ABIM MOC

Description: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to one in seven women and is a leading cause of maternal morbidity, with profound implications for both the patient and her family. Untreated PPD can lead to chronic depression, impaired maternal-infant bonding, strained partner relationships, and long-term developmental challenges for the child. These effects are magnified when symptoms go unrecognized or untreated. Early and routine screening, integrated into obstetric and pediatric care, is essential to identify women at risk and initiate timely intervention. Collaborative care models where primary care or OB providers partner with behavioral health care managers and consulting psychiatrists offer a scalable, evidence-based approach to managing PPD. These models improve access to treatment, ensure close follow-up, and have demonstrated superior outcomes compared to standard care.

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This program is intended for:
Target Professions: DO, MD, Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Associate/Assistant
Target Specialties: Obstetrics/Gynecology, Women's Health, Maternal Fetal Medicine

L. Joy Baker

Wellstar OBGYN at Vernon
Physician

Dr. L. Joy Baker is a Board-Certified general Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LaGrange, Georgia. She has worked in both urban and rural communities for over 15 years, after completing her medical school and residency training with honors at the Morehouse School of Medicine and Grady Health System. She currently serves as Director for Quality & Safety for Women’s Health and vice-chair of the Dept. of OB/GYN and Pediatrics at Wellstar West GA Medical Center. She is one of the first physicians in the United States to complete a HRSA fellowship in Transformational Healthcare Leadership at the Morehouse School of Medicine. Devoted to servant leadership since her matriculation at LaGrange College, Baker was selected for the American College of OBGYN’s prestigious Cefalo National Leadership Institute; and Medical Association of GA’s Physician Leadership Academy, earning her recognition as a GA Trends “Top Doc” in the OB/GYN Division. In 2024, Dr. Baker was named Wellstar West GA’s Physician of the year.

Dr. Baker holds special certification in Perinatal Mental Health, as well as treatment of addiction in pregnancy. She is designated as a Surgeon of Excellence in robotic and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery by the SRC. Her clinical and research interests include health equity, reduction of maternal morbidity/mortality, state-wide perinatal quality improvement, and minimally invasive GYN surgery. She speaks on these topics locally, regionally, and nationally.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Baker launched Delivering Joy MD on social media platforms to provide reliable women’s health information. In 2023, she partnered with BeeTV33 to broadcast her "Well Woman Wednesday" segment on local TV and Roku stations.

Dr. Baker is a Georgia native, born in LaGrange to a family with a long history of service in LaGrange and surrounding communities. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links, Incorporated. She is married to Alvin Leaks, Sr. and attends Impact Methodist Church, where she is a certified lay minister. Dr. Baker enjoys roller skating, music, books, discount shopping, and interior design.