Our patients face difficulties that not all other clinics face, especially transportation and familial support. Making prenatal appointments is a task, especially as you get further along in your pregnancy and become required to see the provider more often. At LSU, our high-risk patients (diabetes, hypertension, advanced maternal age, etc.) are asked to come into the clinic a minimum of two times per week for Non Stress Tests. These appointments can be as quick as 30 minutes or as long as an hour or more depending on the results. That is a lot to ask of a patient, especially one that relies on public transportation and has no one at home helping, supporting, and encouraging her.

Because of this, Stacie thought it would be a good idea to reward these women for committing to their health and the health of their babies. Be a light to them. Let them know that we are here and that We See Them and the effort they are putting forth and give them a Graduation from our High-Risk program. Out of her own pocket, she purchased certificates of achievement (or what she calls “Atta Girls” and brought a set of purple and gold pom-poms from home to applaud these women. As we are preparing charts for the next day, she marks those that will be having their last appointment that day and ensures they have made it to at least 75% of their appointments. If so, they receive a “graduation”. When they are being discharged from the office, Stacie gathers nurses and sonographers that have participated in their care, Stacie grabs her pom-poms and we celebrate. It is such a touching moment for the patients as they are usually brought to tears. All because Stacie thought enough to recognize these women. This is just a small example of how Stacie goes above and beyond.