Jessica Gossard recently had an incredible experience with her provider, Katie Ackerman, PA-C, at her gynecology appointment. She couldn’t be happier with the compassionate care she has received.
“When you are in the room with Katie, she makes you feel as if you are friends out having a cup of coffee, rather than a doctor-patient feeling,” Jessica shared in an email of appreciation.
As for Katie, her approach to patient care goes above and beyond by creating an atmosphere of comfort and trust. She believes in offering patients multiple options for their health and shared decision-making, an aspect that Jessica greatly appreciates.
“Katie does not pressure you into one thing,” Jessica explains. “She listens to your concerns, she listens to your lifestyle and she gives you options on what she feels is best, then makes it work with how I’m feeling.”
Katie’s dedication to her patients is evident in her commitment to their well-being. She consistently ensures that each patient feels like the top priority, making the health care experience personalized and reassuring.
“Even though she was 99 percent sure that a cyst I had was non-cancerous, to put my heart at ease, she asked me if I wanted a blood test that day, just to make me feel comfortable,” Jessica says. “Again, most providers won’t do that!”
Dealing with concerns about family history of cancer can be challenging for Jessica, but Katie’s thoughtful actions alleviated the burden.
“Also, she has never once made me feel like she was in a rush,” Jessica adds. “She sits down, she takes her time, she validates my feelings and concerns, she gives me open honest feedback and always asks me what I want to do. She always takes the time to explain everything to me, no matter how many questions I have.”
Every appointment Jessica has with Katie reflects her unwavering commitment to patient well-being.
“She makes eye contact with me while explaining my medical options,” Jessica says. “She even put her hand on mine to let me know she was there for me. And that again just shows how much she cares for her patients.
Overall, Jessica feels incredibly fortunate to have Katie as her provider and wholeheartedly recommends her to friends.
Learn about the gynecology, obstetrics and women’s health services we provide at Mercy Health.
