As a gynecologist, Dr. Ernst enjoys the privilege of taking care of women throughout their lives; from their first period to their transition into menopause and beyond. Although she specializes in complete gynecologic care for all ages, Dr.Ernst has a particular interest in menopausal medicine. Her treatment philosophy stems from having attended an osteopathic medical school and involves the integration of the mind and body. Women who visit Dr. Ernst for any complaint will receive compassionate care and individual attention with clear communication and professionalism.
Additionally, Dr. Ernst is a skilled laparoscopic and robotic surgeon. She is highly skilled in all forms of minimally invasive surgical techniques as she believes this type of procedure offers shorter recovery time and reduced pain. It allows patients to be able to return to their daily lives faster than they otherwise could.
Dr. Yizhou Du Ernst was born in Beijing, China but immigrated to the United States with her family in 1990. She grew up in the scenic Bitterroot Valley, Montana where she enjoyed the outdoors with friends and family. After high school, Dr. Ernst attended the University of Southern California and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience. She then went on to earn a Master’s degree in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. Later, Dr. Ernst attended Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine where she developed an interest in women’s health and stayed on the east coast to complete her Ob/Gyn residency at St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ.
She is an active member of the North American Menopause Society as well as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Dr. Ernst has been involved in teaching since she lived in California. She was the Chief of Education in her final year of residency at St. Barnabas. In addition to being a Community Faculty member for the University of Nevada Reno’s School of Medicine, Dr. Ernst is active in volunteering with the UNR Student Outreach Clinic, where she supervises young training physicians who provide free medical care to the Reno community.
Since she feels strongly about giving back to the global community, Dr. Ernst has also participated in medical mission trips to the Philippines, helping to provide free gynecologic surgeries to less fortunate patients. Although the pandemic stopped this mission, she hopes to be able to resume this work in the future.
Dr. Ernst resides in Reno. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, knitting, and attending concerts with her husband.