A Southside gynecologist is raising concerns about a growing shortage of OB-GYN specialists in Corpus Christi. Dr. Carolina Praderio said several doctors have either retired or left the area in recent years, leaving patients wit h limited options and long wait times.Two gynecologists who were in practice for over 30 years recently retired, Dr. Praderio said. Corpus Christi gynecologist speaks out about growing shortage of gynecologistsThe result - a surge in calls and referrals.Were getting so many phone calls a day, she said. Its just really hard. Its hard to say no to people. Its hard to say, I cant see you," Dr. Praderio said.Dr. Praderio said she now sees about 200 patients a month. She estimates there are fewer than 20 gynecologists actively practicing in the area.Ive been here for 15 years, and when I started, there were, just in the large groups, 24 OB-GYN. And so I would say its at least cut in half, if not more," Dr. Perdario said. When asked why she believes the city is lacking specialists, Dr. Praderio pointed to financial challenges.I think insurance right now has caused a lot of issues with medicine for all of us, including myself as a patient, not just as a doctor. Insurance is really, really expensive," Dr. Praderio said.Praderio also noted the health risks that can come from missing routine gynecological care.Its kind of scary because then youre gonna diagnose conditions that could have been caught very, very early, Dr. Praderio said.She recently shared a Facebook post to bring more awareness to the issue. I think the patients know it. I think the docs know it, but I dont think were really talking about it. Hopefully, we can all come up with a solution together," Dr. Praderio said.One way Praderio is trying to meet the demand is by hiring a nurse practitioner. However, she said shes not sure that will be enough.For the latest local news updates, click here, or download the KRIS 6 News App. Catch all the KRIS 6 News stories and more on our YouTube page. Subscribe today! ...read more read less