PRIVATE BASED PHYSICIAN OF THE YEAR:

This award is for a private based physician, who went above and beyond the call of duty not only extending their hand and hearts to families during and after the death of their baby but throughout their healing journey by supporting the programs of the WNYPBN.  This dedicated physician was nominated by a group of her professional peers and the bereaved parents she has impacted.  The compassionate presence of a physician is not only crucial during the initial news given to a parent that their baby has died or that death is imminent, but also after this tragedy becomes a reality. 

Dr. Kristen Smyers, MD, FACOG

Dr. Smyer graduated from the University of Buffalo State University of N.Y. School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.  She owns and practices at Legacy Gynecology PLLC.  Dr. Smyers cares for women throughout their pregnancies, straight throughout to the delivery of their baby along with diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system. She provides complete overall health services to women at every stage of life.    One of her patients stated:  “I can’t say enough about the care I have received from Dr. Smyers, I have a lot of trauma surrounding my pregnancies and I truly believe I was able to be strong because of the support and reassurance she has provided me.  She is an incredible caregiver and I firmly believe all physicians should aspire to providing the type of patient first care that she provides.”

IN HER OWN WORDS:

Thank you so much to the Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network, Inc. for honoring me as “Physician of the Year” for 2020.  It is a sincere honor to be named as such by my peers.  Many fine physicians have received this award in previous years and I am proud to be in their company.

I am so grateful to this organization for the critical role they play in helping patients and their families.  As a physician, I am with a patient to provide the difficult news of her loss and to treat her acutely.  This is a short duration of time compared to the eternity for which she and her family will grieve their loss.  Inevitably I must move on to treat the next patient.   It is at that point that I am always so appreciative the WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network exists.  While I can educate a patient as to expectations for her physical recovery, I cannot relate to her perinatal loss.  To be able to refer patients for the continuation of compassionate care for any need they may have is invaluable.  The bereaved patients who founded the Network truly understand in a way no one else can, how to find a way forward after such a tragedy.  This connection I can provide is better than any treatment I could ever prescribe.

Reflecting on my first ten years in practice, the patients who first come to mind are those who have suffered a loss.  While fortunately a small number, the impact they have had on me with the gratitude shown in spite of their grief, makes me so thankful I became an obstetrician and gynecologist.   It is an honor to care for women at all stages of their lives but no greater than in their greatest moment of need. 

Thank you to my nurses Chelsea and Amanda who provide exemplary compassion and genuine kindness to all our patients, but especially when needed the most.  Thank you again to my peers for this recognition.  Thank you WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network.  And thank you to all of the patients who eventually find the strength to provide support through this wonderful organization.  
~ Kristen L. Smyers, MD