Darmouth Hitchcock Clinic

As a member of the Orthopaedics team, my focus is on pediatric orthopaedic care. The pediatric population comes with great challenges and rewards as children grow and develop. What works for an adult patient may not be suitable for a child...

I help my patients improve their quality of life. Whether by eliminating seizures or at the very least, making my patients feel comfortable with a condition theyve had for years, I do my best to ensure they achieve their health goals in matters big and small. An important part of my process is building rapport. I encourage patients to ask questions about anything I say or do during the visit. I listen to their stories with compassion before asking my own questions. Often, when family members are involved, I ask them for feedback and input into a patients well-being. Were a team. I explain my thought process for diagnostic and treatment approaches. Those steps allow me to break down difficult-to-grasp medical information. That way, I can collaborate with my patients and their loved ones to tailor a neurological treatment plan that fits their unique needs and puts what they want at its center. Those efforts support my goal of providing optimal care. Im motivated to do my best and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in neurology. Because hearing back from happy patients after making a medication change or performing a procedure is incredibly rewarding.

I entered nursing as a hands-on way to care for people during their most vulnerable times. I became a nurse practitioner so I could have a greater impact and involvement in their care. I've always been fascinated by the brain—its complexity, mystery, and function. My dad—a physician who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease—inspired me to enter healthcare. As a medical professional, I realized there is more than just treating a condition—it is about developing a relationship with a person.I listen to my patients to find out what they know about their condition. Based on that conversation, I try to understand their condition and what their options are. I am honest and thoughtful in my discussions. I want them to know we are a team and I am invested in seeing them do well. It is fulfilling to me when my patient feels valued, respected and more knowledgeable about their condition.It is also important when appropriate to include family members. The family is the support system and for any treatment to work, everyone involved in the patient's care needs to be included.