July 2025 Honoree
Terkiyah Catron, BSN, RN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
When working with adolescents—especially those facing complex social and emotional challenges—clinical expertise alone is not enough. It takes compassion, consistency, and the ability to build meaningful, professional relationships. Terkiyah exemplifies these qualities in every interaction, especially in her work with teen patients. Terkiyah demonstrated these skills recently with a teen patient who had been placed in protective custody.
The patient came to our OBGYN clinic after a series of difficult circumstances: repeated instances of running away, a volatile relationship with her mother, and a romantic involvement with an older partner. Now pregnant and transitioning back to living with her mother, she arrived guarded and withdrawn.
As part of her role, Terkiyah conducts monthly check-ins with teen patients to reinforce provider recommendations, support medication adherence, and offer perinatal education. What could have remained a routine series of visits instead became a foundation for trust and transformation. Through steady, nonjudgmental presence and open communication, Terkiyah established a strong, professional rapport with the patient.
When the patient expressed reluctance about attending a necessary non-stress test, Terkiyah didn’t simply reiterate the clinical need—she listened. The teen shared that her phone was out of battery and she was hungry and couldn’t stay because of that. Terkiyah didn’t simply reiterate the clinical need—she listened. Terkiyah offered snacks from her own lunch and a spare charger. These small gestures, though not in any job description, reflected a deep understanding of the teen experience and helped the patient follow through with her care.
Most recently, the patient contacted Terkiyah directly, concerned she might be in labor. Terkiyah advised her to go to labor and delivery, and though her shift was ending, she chose to check in on the patient in person. That brief visit turned into something extraordinary: shortly after Terkiyah arrived, the patient felt the urge to push. Terkiyah stayed at her side—not as a clinician, but as a trusted support person —even helping with the delivery by holding a leg. Terkiyah shared with me that this full-circle moment gave her “all the feels!”
After the birth, the attending midwife commented on the remarkable change in the patient from when she began care—a transformation that began with a single connection and grew through steady support and genuine care.
Terkiyah is a testament to the power of professional bonds in healthcare. She understands that caring for teens requires more than clinical skill—it demands empathy, flexibility, and the belief that every patient, no matter how closed off at first, deserves connection and care.
The patient came to our OBGYN clinic after a series of difficult circumstances: repeated instances of running away, a volatile relationship with her mother, and a romantic involvement with an older partner. Now pregnant and transitioning back to living with her mother, she arrived guarded and withdrawn.
As part of her role, Terkiyah conducts monthly check-ins with teen patients to reinforce provider recommendations, support medication adherence, and offer perinatal education. What could have remained a routine series of visits instead became a foundation for trust and transformation. Through steady, nonjudgmental presence and open communication, Terkiyah established a strong, professional rapport with the patient.
When the patient expressed reluctance about attending a necessary non-stress test, Terkiyah didn’t simply reiterate the clinical need—she listened. The teen shared that her phone was out of battery and she was hungry and couldn’t stay because of that. Terkiyah didn’t simply reiterate the clinical need—she listened. Terkiyah offered snacks from her own lunch and a spare charger. These small gestures, though not in any job description, reflected a deep understanding of the teen experience and helped the patient follow through with her care.
Most recently, the patient contacted Terkiyah directly, concerned she might be in labor. Terkiyah advised her to go to labor and delivery, and though her shift was ending, she chose to check in on the patient in person. That brief visit turned into something extraordinary: shortly after Terkiyah arrived, the patient felt the urge to push. Terkiyah stayed at her side—not as a clinician, but as a trusted support person —even helping with the delivery by holding a leg. Terkiyah shared with me that this full-circle moment gave her “all the feels!”
After the birth, the attending midwife commented on the remarkable change in the patient from when she began care—a transformation that began with a single connection and grew through steady support and genuine care.
Terkiyah is a testament to the power of professional bonds in healthcare. She understands that caring for teens requires more than clinical skill—it demands empathy, flexibility, and the belief that every patient, no matter how closed off at first, deserves connection and care.
Thank you, Terkiyah, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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