Part 1: Standing By
Erin Tracy, M.D., M.P.H.
March 31, 2011
Morning
Erin Tracy, M.D., M.P.H., is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist who splits her time between Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the North End Community Health Center in Boston. The doctor has just found out that one of her patients' babies has died in utero and that she will be delivering a pre-term stillborn today. "You never know what's coming in," says Dr. Tracy, with a sad but serious expression on her face. It is 9:00 a.m. and Dr. Tracy's twelve-hour shift is just beginning.
Dr. Tracy said that working in labor and delivery takes her from the "highest of highs" to the "lowest of lows." And so it was that day, as the pendulum swung to the other end of the hall where Dr. Tracy cared for another mother who was just beginning her labor. Dr. Tracy gently inquired as to how the patient was feeling and checked to ensure that she was comfortable. Later that evening the woman delivered a healthy baby.
Usually Dr. Tracy will have five or six women scheduled for inductions or C-sections in addition to several unscheduled vaginal births. Today there are only three scheduled deliveries and no unscheduled arrivals. It is eerily quiet on the floor, perhaps a blessing, given the tragic event unfolding down the hall.
Although a relatively quiet day, Dr. Tracy is a bundle of energy as she checks and answers emails, interacts with staff, and cares for patients. Over the next couple of hours, she updates patients' charts using the hospital's electronic medical record (EMR) system, discusses a midwife's management plan for a triage patient , checks in on a mother whose labor is being induced, and consults with an anesthesiologist on the woman's pain management.
No matter how busy she gets, Dr. Tracy keeps a close eye on the door to the room where the mother will deliver a stillborn child. The term "obstetrics" comes from the Latin word "obstare," meaning "to stand by," and the word gynecology is derived from the Greek word for "woman." On this day, Dr. Tracy will stand by her patient on one of the worst days of her life. Dr. Tracy's vigilance and compassion in supporting and caring for the mother throughout this heartbreaking process was inspiring. Her main focus was ensuring her patient's comfort and safety while honoring her wishes. That included raising important but difficult questions such as, "Would you like to hold your baby after delivery?"
Part 2: Achieving Balance ››
Part 3: A Caring Community ››
