Casey A Shaffer, APRN - Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Neurosurgery

The best part of my job is helping people with complicated pregnancies have a safe delivery. I'm fascinated by the incredible changes that happen in a person's body during pregnancy. Every person's pregnancy journey is different, depending on their unique health concerns and what's important to them. I work with patients and their families to create a plan that supports them and ensures a safe and happy delivery. The most important thing to me is making sure both the mom and the baby are healthy. It is an honor for me to help patients and their families through both the happy and tough times that come with pregnancy. It's also very important to me that pregnant people get care that respects their beliefs and what matters to their family.

I became an orthopaedic trauma surgeon because I wanted to be able to help people in a very tangible way. As a trauma surgeon, I usually meet people on one of the worst days of their lives. I do my best to put them at ease and let them know we will help them get back to being able to do the things they want to do. In my care, communication is key. Trauma events are stressful by nature and people behave differently under stress. I try to understand what my patients are going through and help them understand what their treatment choices are. Trauma is a team sport. I am fortunate to be able to work with dedicated providers in plastic surgery, general surgery, trauma surgery, emergency medicine and neurosurgery. We all work closely as a coordinated team to help our patients get back to their work, recreation, sports and hobbies.