Mary Ellen Fiske, MD, MS, NAMS

Although I was fortunate to have the opportunity to complete residency and fellowship training in New York City, I was born and raised in New Hampshire and love being back in this area, raising my kids, and having the privilege of taking care of patients in New Hampshire and Vermont. I enjoy working in the field of allergy and immunology because we care for a wide variety of age groups. We can get to know and follow the allergic conditions of entire families, which is very rewarding. Also, this is a particularly exciting time to be working in this field because it is evolving so much. New medications and therapies are emerging that help us improve the quality of care we provide for our patients. Asthma and allergies can be very stressful for everyone. The difficulty in breathing that can come with asthma can be scary for children, and sometimes even more so for their parents. I want my patients to know that I’m here to help them to get their disease under control and to help them stay healthy, so that those stressful moments are fewer and farther between. It’s so rewarding to see patients make progress, whether it’s seeing them outgrow their food allergies so that they can enjoy a food again, or getting their allergies or asthma under control so that they can get back to feeling good and doing what they want to do.

My care begins with being a good listener and giving patients the time they need to explain their concerns. I answer their questions with language that is clear, honest, and without using too many medical terms. My goal is to help my patients feel empowered to improve their health. I go beyond doing my patients’ routine obstetrical or gynecological care. I do whatever it takes to help my patients find the answers to their questions, including doing extra research and reaching out to colleagues. I help them navigate the health care system by finding specialists, getting them the prescriptions they need, or writing letters to get approval for a much-needed surgery. It gives me so much joy to see my patient's health improve. I am proud to be a strong advocate for my patients and go the extra mile for their well-being.

Whether I’m visiting with a patient in my office or the comfort of their home, connecting with them on a personal level is the best part of my job. I love hearing about who they are as individuals. An appointment with me is a safe space for them to open up about their physical and emotional health. I encourage them to express their concerns, priorities and goals of care at every visit. Then, I try to address those concerns in the context of their lives. Looking at the big picture of a patient’s lifestyle is essential for complete, compassionate care. I’m not afraid to tackle life’s complexities. That includes complicated medical conditions and preventative care. I also understand that relationships, finances and social pressures influence healthcare choices. Together, we manage those influences so my patients can focus on aging well. I’m often amazed at my patients' resiliency and bravery in the face of life’s challenges. I take it upon myself to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a supportive environment to lighten their burden in any way I can.