Dr. Vanessa Niles, R.N., M.D., F.A.C.O.G.

Background

Dr. Vanessa Niles is a board-certified OB-GYN whose career in women's health spans more than four decades. She earned her Doctor of Medicine at Meharry Medical College and completed her residency at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the professional society for OB-GYNs in the United States.

Her credentials also include the R.N. designation, a registered nursing credential that is distinct from her medical degree.

Credentials at a glance

• R.N.: Registered Nurse.
• M.D.: Doctor of Medicine, Meharry Medical College.
• Residency: Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center.
• Board certified in obstetrics and gynecology.
• F.A.C.O.G.: Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Her role at HealifyMD

Dr. Niles is the medical reviewer of HealifyMD's site content. When a page is reviewed, she checks that clinical statements are supported by the sources cited, that risks and side effects are described fairly and completely, and that nothing implies a guaranteed result.

Her review is especially relevant to topics in her specialty, such as perimenopause and menopause, hormone therapy, vaginal and urinary symptoms of menopause, bleeding patterns and women's sexual health. For topics outside obstetrics and gynecology, reviewed content is checked against the guidelines of the relevant professional societies.

What medical review means for you

Health information online varies widely in quality. Federal guidance on evaluating health websites suggests looking for an expert review process, clear sourcing and dates showing when content was reviewed. Medical review is one way HealifyMD tries to meet that standard.

Medical review does not make an article personal medical advice. It means a physician has checked that the general information is accurate and balanced. Decisions about your own care should be made with the clinician treating you, who knows your history, medications and test results.

What board certification in OB-GYN involves

Board certification is a voluntary credential that goes beyond a state medical license. In obstetrics and gynecology, it follows completion of an accredited residency and passing specialty examinations, and it is maintained through continuing certification. The American Board of Medical Specialties describes board certification as an independent evaluation of a physician's knowledge and skills to practice safely and effectively in a specialty.

Fellowship in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is a designation from the specialty's professional society, shown by the letters F.A.C.O.G.

Topics where her specialty applies

• Perimenopause and menopause symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.
• Menopausal hormone therapy, including estrogen and progesterone.
• Genitourinary syndrome of menopause and vaginal estrogen.
• Abnormal bleeding in perimenopause and after menopause.
• Women's sexual health and desire.

How reviewed content is kept current

Women's health guidance changes. Menopausal hormone therapy labeling, for example, was revised after the FDA announced in November 2025 that it would remove several boxed warnings. Pages within Dr. Niles's specialty are scheduled for re-review at least yearly and sooner when labeling, safety communications or major guidelines change, so the information reflects current recommendations rather than older ones.

Questions you can bring to your own clinician

Reviewed content is meant to help you have a better conversation with whoever treats you. Useful questions include whether your symptoms fit perimenopause or something else, which hormone therapy route suits your risk profile, whether you need progesterone, and how long treatment should continue.

Reporting a concern about content

If you find something on a page Dr. Niles reviewed that seems inaccurate or out of date, email support@healifymd.com with the page address. Clinical corrections are sent back through medical review before publication.