We recently sat down to talk with Dr. Courtney Stephenson, DO, FACOG, one of Fetal Hope’s newest additions to the Medical Advisory Board and Director of the recently opened Charlotte Fetal Care Center in Charlotte, NC, to learn more about her journey and inspiration behind treating fetal syndromes like TTTS.

1.       What made you decide to enter the maternal/fetal medicine field?

I enjoy taking care of women with higher risk pregnancies as they are such a diverse group of patients. You can have difficult to manage issues. It’s like being consultants and internists at the same time. I also like the ultrasound side in being able to diagnose a case or provide assurance that everything is okay, or provide information in treatment options, etc.

 2.       What made you decide to learn more about fetoscopic surgery, and specifically that to treat TTTS?

When at NYU, I did quite a bit of fetoscopy and found it interesting to be able to operate on the uterus. Since learning these skills, I felt obligated to broaden these skills in treating conditions like TTTS. Being able to change and help the babies feels miraculous.

 3.       What does it feel like being one of the only women in fetoscopic surgery today?

I feel proud for all women, as it’s exciting to have broken that barrier. I am also proud as a mom in showing my kids that women can do the same things as men. I certainly couldn’t have done it without my family and team at Carolinas Medical Center.

 4.       Anything you would say to women of childbearing age or who might be planning to conceive?

Focus on a balanced diet and lifestyle. Make sure to see your doctor beforehand to address any preexisting conditions. This allows you to have the best opportunity for good health during conception and formation of the embryo. Also, it’s important for women to know that most fetal syndromes are out of their hands — there aren’t known causes — and many women carry this burden that they did something to cause the condition.

 5.       What are your thoughts on organizations like Fetal Hope?

It’s a great resource for families to find objective information from knowledgeable sources. Doctors need to work with the Fetal Hope Foundation as a national outreach and networking resource for bringing the medical communities together.

 6.       What are a few of your goals for the new Charlotte Fetal Care Center at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC?

My short-term goals are to spread awareness of TTTS and to let the local communities know that we are a resource for treating the condition. We are available and ready to provide support whenever needed. My long-term goal includes growing the laser treatment program for TTTS into a reputable, regional resource for families affected.

 7.       Have you treated any cases as of the opening of the Charlotte Fetal Care Center?

We are observing a number of cases right now and some have been treated with amniocentesis. However, we did treat our first case here in early March.

 8.       What are some common challenges you face when treating TTTS?

Some challenges that every doctor encounter include location of the placenta, whether it’s anterior (on the stomach wall) or posterior (on the back), maternal breathing motion during the actual procedure, and obviously, fetal movement and the quality of the amniotic fluid.

 9.       How do you deal with the pressure often associated with operating on such an intense level when a mother and her baby or babies are involved?

I actually competed nationally as a gymnast until I was 22 years old, so I am very comfortable and familiar with this type of intense pressure. My job requires total focus and attention to detail and I feel very fortunate to have a diligent and committed team at CMC that has a similar work ethic.

 Dr. Stephenson, DO, FACOG, joined the CMC Women’s Institute Maternal Fetal Medicine Division in August 2004. She graduated from Fairfield University and received her medical degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. After medical school, Dr. Stephenson completed her residency in New York Methodist Hospital followed by a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at New York University School of Medicine. Prior to beginning the fetal therapy program at Charlotte Fetal Care Center, Dr. Stephenson completed an extensive training program at the Fetal Care Center of Cincinnati (FCCC) under the mentorship of world renowned fetal surgeon, Dr. Timothy Crombleholme.