Robin Black is a Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHCNP) and Colposcopy Specialist who has built a reputation as a compassionate and skilled practitioner in Southern California for 25 years. Her passion for women’s health and personal care approach stand out in her many years running an independent NP practice here in Costa Mesa.
Ms. Black combines medical expertise with an understanding of the unique needs of her patients, many of whom are students and young adults navigating complex health concerns. She was a valued referral source from many Student Health Centers in Orange County, such as Cal State Fullerton, Orange Coast College, Golden West College, Irvine Valley College, and others.
She closed her practice last year, but decided to come back in a part time capacity at CornerHealth Urgent Care to continue her passion of serving the community in providing quality women’s health care.
Below, she shares insights into her career, experiences, and what makes her care unique.
What do you find most rewarding about caring for patients in Costa Mesa?
NP Black:
“There’s something special about Costa Mesa—it’s a vibrant, diverse community with people from all walks of life. I particularly enjoy working with students from the nearby colleges. Many of them are at pivotal moments in their lives, balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities. Being able to provide them with care that fits into their busy schedules and helps them prioritize their health is incredibly fulfilling.
I love knowing that I’m playing a small part in helping these students build a foundation for their futures, whether it’s through contraceptive counseling, treating an infection, or just being there to listen to their concerns. What I cherish the most are the relationships I’ve built over the years in caring for patients through various stages of their lives. Seeing their confidence grow is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
Is there a particular care experience that still stands out to you?
NP Black:
“Yes, there are so many moments that stay with me, but one that stands out involved a young woman who was referred for an abnormal Pap test. She was incredibly anxious about what the results might mean for her future. Together, we walked through the process of diagnosis and treatment step by step.
I performed a colposcopy to gather more information, and fortunately we were able treat the precancer changes before it progressed. She was relieved and grateful, and later shared the news of two successful, full term pregnancies. It’s moments like these that remind me why I chose this career”.
What services do you provide that set you apart as a Provider?
NP Black:
“One of the things I’m most proud of is offering quality women’s healthcare in a way that’s accessible and approachable. Some of the main services I provide include:
Contraceptive counseling and management: Helping patients find the best birth control method for their individual needs.
Urinary tract and vaginal infection treatments: Providing quick and effective care for these common yet often uncomfortable conditions.
STI testing and treatment: Offering judgment-free testing and treatment, which is especially important for younger patients who may feel nervous about discussing these issues.
Pregnancy testing: Helping patients navigate a pregnancy diagnosis with care and sensitivity.
Pap and HPV screenings, and abnormal Pap management (including Colposcopy): Ensuring patients stay on top of preventative health care screening and addressing issues early if they arise.
If cervical biopsies are needed, I embrace compassionate colposcopy using minimally invasive soft fabric devices by Histologics. I love the new options we have to make colposcopy a gentler, less traumatic experience while still providing an accurate diagnosis.
What sets me apart is not just the range of services but the personalized care I offer. I make it a point to really listen to my patients, explain their options clearly, and help them feel empowered to make decisions about their health.”
You work with many college students. What makes this population unique to treat?
NP Black:
“College students often face unique challenges when it comes to healthcare. Many are navigating independence for the first time, which includes taking responsibility for their own medical needs. They may not know where to start or feel hesitant to ask questions, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like contraception or STI testing.
I strive to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable discussing their concerns openly. By building trust and offering straightforward, judgment-free care, I can help them address their immediate needs while also teaching them how to prioritize their long-term health.”
What challenges do your patients face, and how do you address them?
NP Black:
“One of the biggest challenges is access to care, especially for students juggling school, work, and financial constraints. Some worry about affording treatment or finding time to schedule an appointment. Working women also find it difficult to see their regular gynecologist in a timely manner for urgent issues like a UTI or uncomfortable vaginal infections.
I try to make things easier by offering timely appointments (including Saturdays) and provide resources for affordable care options.
How do you approach sensitive topics like STI testing or abnormal Pap management?
NP Black:
“Sensitivity is key. I always remind patients that their concerns are valid and that these topics are a normal part of healthcare. When it comes to something like STI testing, for example, I focus on education. I explain why regular testing is important and what patients can do to protect themselves.
For abnormal Pap results, I take the time to walk patients through every step of the process. From the initial screening to the colposcopy, I make sure they understand what’s happening and what their options are. By fostering open communication, I can help patients feel more at ease and confident about their care.”
How Do You Stay Updated with the Latest Medical Advances?
NP Black:
“Medicine is always evolving, and staying current is essential. I attend medical conferences to keep up with the latest research, participate in continuing education courses, and maintain active memberships in my field (such as the ASCCP, CNMA, and Reproductive Health Access Project). Whether it’s advancements in contraceptive methods or new screening techniques for HPV, I make it a priority to stay informed so I can bring the best options to my patients.
Collaboration with colleagues is another key part of staying current. I regularly consult with other professionals to share knowledge and insights. This helps me provide well-rounded care that incorporates the most recent medical innovations.”
What Do You Hope Patients Take Away from Their Visits?
NP Black:
“I want patients to know that their concerns matter and that I’m here to listen. Whether it’s a simple question about contraception or managing a more complex issue like abnormal Pap results, I’m committed to providing clear answers and compassionate care.”
What Inspires You to Keep Practicing Medicine?
NP Black:
“After retiring, I thought I’d spend time enjoying my first grandchild, learning a new musical instrument, and traveling. I quickly realized how much I missed caring for patients! There’s a unique sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on someone’s health and life. That realization moved me to return part-time to practice women’s health care at CornerHealth, knowing that I can still contribute in a meaningful way to the health and well-being of our community.”
- Former patients of Women’s Health Care Specialists can obtain a copy of their medical records by visiting this static website: robin-black-ognp.netlify.app
