Get Quotes Contact Us Sign In
Website
Call
We at Northwest OBGYN are proud to provide high quality care at both major hospitals in Spokane. We want you to know that if you choose to have a surgery or deliver your child at either hospital, our outstanding and caring Physician staff will be happy to care for you at either Deaconess or Sacred Heart Hospital. We are grateful for our patients and want to partner with you to provide the very best care possible. We are dedicated to providing expert personalized and comprehensive care for all types of pregnancies.
Follow us
Services
To provide this care requires a sensitive, caring attitude that goes beyond patient expectations. Patients are treated with dignity and respect under ALL circumstances. We've been meeting women's healthcare needs for over 30 years, and look forward to continuing to be the physician practice of choice for women in Spokane and throughout the great Northwest.
Dr. Fern, MD is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology. He graduated from the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center in Portland, Oregon in 1977 and completed residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Naval Regional Medical Center Oakland through the University of California San Francisco in 1981.
With over 100 combined years of physician experience and over 30,000 deliveries, the physicians and staff at Northwest OB-GYN are dedicated to providing expert personalized and comprehensive care for all types of pregnancies, including low risk and high risk complicated pregnancies.
The physicians and staff at Northwest OB-GYN pride themselves in providing the most kind and compassionate care possible. We offer care for women from adolescence through menopause and provide extensive general, preventative, and specialized gynecologic care. In addition to basic office visits, we perform many procedures in the office, including colposcopy, LEEP, endometrial ablation and tubal sterilization. We are also experts in minimally invasive surgery to treat many different kinds of problems.
Reviews (29)
Write a Review
Stephanie N.
May 27, 2022
The BEST OB-GYN EVER! Dr. Zweisler is amazing. He was my doctor for 3/4 of my babies! He made me feel calm, comfortable and made my experiences amazing : the staff here are amazing and actually care about their patients. Vera is amazing too!
Mellodiee Sandelli
May 24, 2022
I chose this office because it's supposed to be the best OB office in town at the best hospital but I constantly am let down by the results I get from this place. I've been complaining to my midwife for months about throwing up several times a day and barely being able to eat and she just seems to not really care. I'm constantly rushed through my monthly checkups and told to message in the app if I need something or have a question.

Yet it takes them 1-3 days to respond to the message if they even bother (9/10 times they just tell you a nurse will call you). The scheduling lady is rude every single time and doesn't even bother to look at me when I'm standing right in front of her, talking to her. I've ended up in urgent care (for a UTI they didn't catch) and the ER since being that patient here.

I call them to notify my care team that I'm in pain and I've been hospitalized and the nurse acts like I'm incompetent. Then instead of calling me back to discuss with me how I'm feeling and plan going forward they just tell me to take Tylenol and have a warm bath. I would like to say that I feel confident and comfortable with my doctor's office but instead I feel rushed, not taken seriously and like my well-being doesn't matter; only my child's. The doctors in the emergency room were kinder and more attentive than the staff here have been and they have have a million other things to do.
Angie G.
May 06, 2022
Front office staff are polite and courteous, check-in couldn't go any smoother. Ample chairs in the nicely decorated and comfortable waiting lobby. Medical staff are always smiling and inviting as well. Dr Fern has been my physician for over 20 years and I thank God he followed his calling, because he is incredibly gifted not only in his knowledge and skills as a gynecologist but in his bedside manner.

He is the most calm, considerate, and caring man and also appropriately humorous and witty. He will never, ever rush you if you need to talk. He always has an alternate way of looking at things that helps tremendously if you're feeling like things are not going well in your health and life. I always leave my appointment with renewed faith in my mind and body, knowing that good or bad, everything is going to be ok.

He has delivered good and bad news to me and he is able to deliver it in such a way that you remain about as calm as he does. And he is extremely knowledgeable, honest and upfront about any pros and cons to any decisions that must be made. This is one doctor who will never recommend a procedure or product you don't absolutely need. Although he no longer practices obstetrics, he delivered my baby brother in 1988 after my mother was told she needed a hysterectomy and therefor could not have any more children after the three of us she'd already had (he was her second opinion and he strongly disagreed, and after a plan of care, he was right!) and he eventually delivered my babies in the 2000's! Seriously, thank God this man followed his calling.

I certainly have needed him and counted on him for medical well-being numerous times throughout my adult life and every time he has helped me in a manner that was like a physician, counselor, and friend all at once. I couldn't say enough good things about him.
Chelsey Todd
Apr 22, 2022
Dr. Newell is amazing! She always took the extra step to help all my concerns and address my worries throughout my high risk pregnancy. She was more than patient with all my issues and was wonderful helping me through the whole process. If anyone needs a doctor, I would more than recommend her!
Christine Payne
Apr 08, 2022
I have been seeing Dr. Zwiesler since 2013 he helped me through my pregnancies and delivered my second daughter. He is very easy to talk to and empathizes with his patients. He goes the extra mile in making his patients feel important and for me that means a lot.
Barbara T.
Mar 31, 2022
This is one of the most unfriendly and unkind office staff ever. I needed to make an appointment for an annual exam, left my name and phone number, did not get a call, so I called back the next week, was put on hold, transferred back to the scheduler, put on hold again twice, then receive a voice message saying that I had to leave my name, phone number and date of birth.

They still haven't gotten back to me. I had to see my nurse practitioner, Jen, in an emergency situation about two years ago, and the staff made me pay in advance, $114, before they would let me register. because my insurance wouldn't pay for the visit. I was thoroughly embarrassed in front of other people. I like Jen, but they should fire everybody in the front and back office and hire some people that understand customer support and relations.
Devin Nemeth
Mar 16, 2022
Working at NWOBGYN has been the best experience I've ever had at a job. The entire staff is kind and friendly and truly make you feel you are a part of the team. Though I've only been here a few short months I expect to remain with them for years to come. I don't view this as just a workplace but an environment to create relationships and grow as an individual. Because of this I'm thankful to be here and have that opportunity.
Alyssa Zunker
Mar 09, 2022
I have received the best care not just for my baby, but for my mind, body and soul at this practice. I come in and feel seen, heard and genuinely cared for! I am so glad I made the switch to Northwest OB-GYN, best decision I've ever made!
Brandi Edwards
Feb 24, 2022
I've been seeing this office since 2013/2014 and I have always had the best experiences with them. My journey into motherhood of my sweet babes has been a trial for me for sure and I have to say Dr. Pakk has been so wonderful through my entire journey. He's kind, listens, straight to the point, answers all your questions, and knows what he's talking about. He's delivered 2 (hopefully all 3) of my kids and I can't imagine a better doctor to have on your side! Highly recommend him and the rest of the office!
Kristine Mehaffey
Feb 04, 2022
My long time gynecologist had retired so I had to find a new one. I decided to try Dr. Newell last year and I am glad I did bc right from meeting her you could tell she is a very kind and caring person. I also found her to be a very bright knowledgeable doctor. She takes the time to answer your questions without making you feel rushed. I am very grateful to have found her and have her as my new trusted gynecologist.
Christina Burke
Jan 25, 2022
I love Dr Zwiesler. I feel completely calm and ready for our new baby! Thank you Dr. Z for always making me feel confident and comfortable. You are very knowledgeable and never force anything.
Jarod Gunning
Jan 05, 2022
I absolutely love each of the midwives in this practice. They provide thorough and exceptional care as well as support my goals for labor. They are truly caring and never make me feel like they don't have time to answer my questions during appointments.
Kate Boggs
Dec 31, 2021
Dr. Peter Fern has been my doc most of my adult life. His caring & calm bedside manner, met with his wisdom and expertise, always make me feel seen, heard, and well cared for. He takes his time, has an uncanny ability- a gift- for being able to read his patients well. I trust him fully, and cannot say enough about how fantastic Dr. Fern is. Salt of the earth man and wonderful doctor!
Carly Marcella
Dec 27, 2021
Dr. Pak is an amazing doctor! He has such a calm and welcoming personality. Everyone from nurses to patients that know him talk highly about him and his professionalism. I feel very comfortable talking with him about my concerns and what I want during my pregnancy. His assistants are also just as wonderful! I have had such a great experience at NWOBGYN.
Caitlin Dudley
Dec 24, 2021
Dr. Kopp is wonderful. I've had bad experiences with ob/gyns in the past, but not with Dr. Kopp. She listens to you and provides care specific to your needs. Love going to her and have recommended her to my friends!
Courtney Erickson
Dec 23, 2021
Dr Z is amazing! I'm now going through my second pregnancy with him and I can't speak highly enough! His calming demeanor is so helpful especially for a first time mom, to really help keep those incessant worries of everything being a first at bay. I also love his sense of humor and how much he cares for me as a patient. I recommend him to all of my friends who haven't found a doctor or don't have a doctor when they are expecting.
DeeDee C.
Dec 16, 2021
I just want to give a big shout out to Dr Hilton today and his nurse, simply amazing. Very thoughtful. On the other hand Nicole in surgery scheduling at the office was so rude and un professional as far as treating me terrible, no compassion at all. I am need of surgery asap and Nicole is terrible, I have worked in surgery at Deaconess, NW Orthopedics and Shriners. and would never have treated someone so RUDE. I will never ever recommend anyone there for anything. Nicole really made an impression of the office. So unprofessional
Melanie Cooper Flaigle
Dec 16, 2021
Just had my prenatal care with Dr. Kopp. She was great the entire pregnancy and especially when I developed some scary complications at the end. She safely delivered baby with an urgent c-section that was necessary for my health. So glad to have had this experience with a smart, compassionate, considerate, and trustworthy doctor who can cared about me and my family's wellbeing.
Elisabeth Moua
Dec 04, 2021
I love the midwives here! They're all so friendly and never acted like they didn't want to be at their job. I transferred care at 28 weeks because this is my first pregnancy and had no idea what I was doing before. Automatically after my first appointment, I felt more at ease. They answered all the questions I had and gave me the opportunity to do so.

I never felt rushed there. I didn't have to wait for more than 15-20 minutes to get taken back for my appointments. Jessica delivered our baby and she was amazing! She checked in on me frequently and respected my wishes on my birth plan. I never felt pressured to do something I didn't want to. When I had to make decisions outside of my birth plan, she walked me through it and gave me different options. My only regret is not coming here for the first half of my pregnancy. I now know where to go for my future pregnancies though!
Jacey H.
Jan 08, 2021
In the past and at other providers, I've liked my doctor but the billing department made things such a headache that I switched providers. That is not the case with NW Ob-Gyn. Dr Pakk and his medical staff have been as fantastic as the billing department. I'm really happy to be working with them.
Macee M.
Mar 13, 2020
Be prepared to wait over 45 minutes past your appointment time to be called back, just to wait another 20+ minutes to be seen by the doctor. I've been coming to this office for over 3 years and while I love Dr. Pakk, the scheduling here is absolutely ridiculous. I have never been seen in less than an hour after checking in shortly BEFORE my appointment time (which is a decision I always hope will mitigate the chance of waiting forever, yet arriving early never helps). Just bring a lot of reading material, games for your kids if they have to tag along, and even a snack because you'll be waiting FOREVER.
Grace C.
Dec 13, 2019
Worst experience ever. The scheduling ladies are rude. Scheduled an appointment 6 months ago then on my appointment date they said they don't have an appointment with me. So I scheduled a new one waited another 3 months and now I'm not in their system yet again.
Erika S.
Sep 03, 2019
It's unlikely that I'll come here again. I went in because I was experiencing some female issues. I had experienced these same issues about a year before and was seen at a different office. Since my insurance had changed, I was told Northwest Ob/Gyn took my insurance. The midwife I saw did an exam, sent a sample off to the lab, and concluded there was nothing wrong with me.

I told her I had experienced the same symptoms before and that there was definitely something going on. She acted like she had no idea what I was talking about, and told me they could get my records from before, but it could take more than a week to do so. I left without a diagnosis or any help of any kind, and bawled my eyes out in my car. I ended up calling the office I had been seen at the previous year, getting the name of the bacteria causing my problems, and calling Northwest back.

They went ahead and wrote a script for some antibiotics. So not only did I not receive any help during the actual visit, I basically had to diagnose myself. Oh, and they made sure to send me a hefty bill in the mail for it too.
Alicia W.
Apr 16, 2019
I had a horrifying experience here with Dr Sarah Hammil. It has been over 4 years but I am still undergoing surgeries to fix her destruction I was referred to her for complications with my bladder sling, specifically suspicion of mesh erosion. When I walked in for my first visit she informed me that I did not have mesh erosion and that she would not do surgery before she even examined me.

I should have ran the other way but I was brought up to trust in doctors. She told me that I did not need pain control that my pain was from anxiety. She sent me to pelvic floor therapy, I could only do 2 sessions as it caused unbearable pain. I found out later that pelvic floor therapy is not appropriate for mesh erosion, that it is akin to " rubbing a cheese grater over your insides".

When I told her the therapy was causing pain, she became irritated, rolled her eyes, and said " I guess were going to surgery. She performed surgery and came out and informed my husband that she " got it all out except for a tiny piece behind a bone". When I came to my 6 week follow up and told her my symptoms had not improved she again became irritated and rolled her eyes at me and told me " I'm not going to prescribe narcotics to you".

I told her I didn't ask for narcotics, I am asking for help. I asked her how much mesh was actually left in me and she would not give me a straight answer but kept telling me " that information is in your chart" I was still bleeding and she had to apply some kind of silver substance. She informed me that there is nothing she can do for me. I asked for a referral to another Dr and she said that she's the only " expert for 500 miles.

I didn't know what to do, I started to wonder if I was actually crazy. My next stop was to Dr Richards at Spokane OBGYN and he immediately found " easily palpable mesh" upon exam. He said that there was no way she removed all of it, that I had severe erosion out both sides of my urethra. I had to travel to Vancouver WA and undergo 4 additional surgeries so far to remove the mesh.

The doctor there said that she had only removed a 6 mm piece of mesh from underneath my bladder and confirmed this by the pathology report. He said she should have never done a partial removal because it caused the rest to fragment and makes it harder if not impossible to remove the rest. He read her records for me and she had written that I had "specifically requested narcotics" which was completely false, I had simply told her I was in pain.

She had written that she performed surgery at my request but that nothing was actually wrong and implied I was emotionally unstable. She wrote that I was completely fine at my follow up and didn't even document that I was bleeding or the silver substance she applied. After being called out on that she documented it 5 months later. She completely slandered me.

She had spoken with my PCP on the phone and told him the same things, that nothing was wrong with me to cause pain, and that I was " drug seeking" so he discharged me and would not manage my severe pain but has since apologized after getting info from my dr in Vancouver My dr in Vancouver said he sees this exact thing all the time from AUGS urogynocologists which she is a member of AUGS.

He said they do that because of all the mesh lawsuits, they avoid performing mesh removal surgery, they won't ever diagnose a mesh complication and they slander the patient because they are more worried about being sued than the welfare of mesh injured patients. After reading her and Dr Partolls reviews on other sites I learned that I am not the only one. Dr Hammil delayed me getting proper treatment and I had to suffer unnecessarily because of her.

I called NW OBGYN's office manager about the whole situation and Dr Hammil would not respond to the office manager Cee Cee. Finally I was called by a dr Zweisler who was rude and dismissive and could care less. I got no help from NW OBGYN. Stay away
Crystal J.
Mar 15, 2019
I was recommended to this office from a friend of a friend. This office completely failed me and I would never trust them after what happened to me. I go in for first ultrasound to see Cindy Brigham-Althoff (midwife) for my pregnancy at 8 weeks to find no heartbeat via Doppler. I was told to come back on 1/28. When we came back in that day we find out that our baby stopped growing at 6.5 weeks "maybe" and no heartbeat.

I was told to come back in a week. So of course I'm devastated to hear this news. I leave the office in complete sadness & shock. As I leave & drive away I realized hey why didn't they take my blood to check my HCG level. Why should I have to wait a week!? I go back in to ask if they can do that after waiting 45mins to see a nurses assistant.

She said oh yeah you can do that! So I then anxiously await a phone call ALL day for results since they did a stat on the blood work. I get no call. I decided to drive across town (35mins) the next day because I couldn't get through on the phone because apparently this was the week Comcast cable accidentally deleted there phone number. Yeah that's right they deleted the hospitals phone number!

Go figure what timing for all this to happen right!? Then after that I had to take blood a few days later to check HCG level again. Then I find out yes in fact we're having a "missed miscarriage" so because the baby never expelled itself on it's own I elected to do a D&C. Friday was the earliest day they could get me in. I had no signs or symptoms either so this was tragic. Dr Zwiesler did my surgery who was kind, compassionate and a great listener.

I got to talk to the head nurse when I went back in for my pre op later that week. I expressed the lack of frustration I had with how this was all handled. I also explained that if Cindy taken blood on the first appointment back on the 1/18 this would have unfolded differently. Not to mention that depending on the situation we possibly could have found a solution rather than had a miscarriage.

I personally thought Cindy needed more guidance & education. I come to find out she is a new midwife. I understand we all have to start somewhere in our career but how can you tell someone you think they basically have an expired life in them & let the person go home & wait for a week with no possible answers until then? Unacceptable. Then come the time of my D&C I elected to do genetic testing.

So a few weeks after surgery I go in for follow up appointment. I was then told here is the paperwork for your cancer screening which is routine testing which I didn't know anything about. It came back benign but the third party company who did your genetic screening (cytogenetics) said there wasn't enough tissue sent from pathology. That would have told me the sex of our baby along with a few possible answers in regards to what may have happened.

So I'm now devastated all over again because now I won't have the closure I now envisioned because someone did do there job!? So of course my head is now spinning as I am told this. Like anyone in my shoes I'm sure would want answers as to what exactly happened. I called the medical director wanting further explanation!? He said there wasn't enough viable tissue to test. COMPLETELY different than what I was told from Megan who is Dr Zwiesler medical assistant.

So now I have grieved unnecessarily in the aspect I won't have closure cause I thought someone failed me. But in reality this office has been the one that has failed me the entire time. I am STILL waiting on a call from Dr Zwiesler to see how in fact he told his medical assistant that I was tested for cancer when I wasn't. Not to mention pathology DID do there job and they DID send enough tissue to be tested to cytogenetics.

It had nothing to do with that. It was the fact that there was no viable tissue at all. How can you tell a patient completely incorrect information!? The lack of communication is appalling. This is a life changing event to begin with. Now I have involved a medical director for no reason. This entire situation is mind blowing! I'm outraged. Like is this a joke!?

Absolutely inexcusable & a poorly run practice! I am heartbroken to say the least! I have no faith in this place. I guess you have to be your own advocate these which is a very frustrating place to be when your dealing with any medical situation especially the loss of your child!
Lisa F.
Feb 16, 2019
I have been going to NW OBGYN for years and I have always been treated with kindness and respect each time. The staff is super friendly and easy going. I wish more businesses had the customer service this business has.
Alexia U.
Feb 16, 2018
I honestly like most the staff here and have gone here for quite a while however every time I check in the scheduling coordinator Linda is so extremely rude when she works at the front desk and makes me feel so uncomfortable and like I'm unwelcome. I will never refer this place to anyone because of her.
Amber H.
Jan 01, 2017
So many of my friends go to this office and we all LOVE Smetana and Messinger. :) Robin delivered our first son in 2008. She also stopped everything and bent over backwards to love and support us when we chose to go to a birth center for our second.going nearly 42 weeks and then having after birth complications. She never made me feel badly for choosing an unmedicated birth at a birth center though I know she had concerns (well founded it turns out).

In hindsight I wish I had had our unmedicated birth in the hospital with her! Having moved across the country I miss getting to see Robin Messinger for my well woman checks, etc. Miss and adore you Dr Messinger! All our love-Ken, Amber H. and kiddos
Shannon B.
Aug 18, 2016
I absolutely love the staff here at this clinic. They have been helpful since the very beginning. My very first in-person experience was when my husband and I attended their New Beginnings class. While there, my husband encouraged me to tell the nurse some of my symptoms, which I did and she directed me to call in to the providers the next day. Now mind you, I had not officially had my first appointment yet.

The next day I called in and got an immediate call back from one of the nurses and they put me in for a same-day ultrasound. That was the day we found out we were having twins. I barely six weeks pregnant but they had taken my concerns seriously and treated me with respect and got to the bottom of my symptoms. All of my in-clinic ultrasounds have gone smoothly, the nurses and techs are knowledgeable and kind and they even offer cold bottled water, cheese and crackers or juice if you need some fluids or some carbs.

I have never waited long for an appointment and my provider Dr. Miles has encouraged me to call in if I have any concerns or questions I couldn't think of during my visit. She is amazing and she has great bedside manner. She takes her time and answers questions thoroughly and with patience. She has eased my anxiety quite a bit through this process and I couldn't be more thankful.

She includes my husband in the conversation and answers his questions as well. I am now 29 weeks pregnant and the birth isn't that far off but I know I am in good hands with Dr. Miles and her caring staff. I would recommend this clinic to anyone in need of their services.