Diane M Stearns, APRN - Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Manchester

A major part of my job is to educate patients and families about headache medicine. When I first meet a patient, I spend a lot of time getting to know them. We discuss their history of headaches, factors that contribute to worsening pain, as well as what they have tried and not tried previously. I let them know that there are many causes of headaches, and many treatments. I strive to treat the whole person, not just their headaches. Learning the details about a person's sleep patterns, stressors and moods can directly affect the treatments I use for headache management. I explain that migraines can be frustrating for all parties involved, but, through a multidisciplinary and team-based approach, I hope to assist my patients to manage their pain more appropriately. I consider my care successful when my patients can start living their lives again. Migraines can be quite debilitating, so when patients can go about their day and not miss important events because of their headaches, I know what we are doing is helping.

I entered medicine to help patients navigate the healthcare system. My goal is for patients to feel safe and supported and to meet their needs within the treatment plan. My patients' strength and resilience continually inspire me. I approach care that extends beyond the patient to their family members. I give families and caregivers the necessary resources and support for their participation. Patients appreciate my compassion, relatability, and transparency. I provide a team-based, patient-centered approach to their care. I emphasize compassion and strive to meet their goals along their healthcare journey.

WestBridge Community Services offers medical care and support services for individuals with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders. The agency provides nutritional food behavioral care and medication evaluation services. It operates the Assertive Community Treatment program, which assists with issues related to depression, homelessness and legal conflicts. WestBridge Community Services features case management, crisis intervention and vocational training programs. The agency offers individual counseling services that include various techniques, such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention and psychosocial education. In addition, it provides assistance with daily activities, including dressing, bathing and personal hygiene. WestBridge Community Services also offers mentoring and 24-hour emergency response services. The agency is located in Manchester, N.H.