Dr. Katelyn Snyder is many things: a pediatric and fetal cardiologist, mechanical engineer, and medical director within Memorial Healthcare System. But it’s a non-professional designation, mother, that best helps her understand and relate to patients.
“The shared experience of being pregnant and having a baby matters,” said Dr. Snyder. “While my kids didn’t have congenital heart issues, the emotions, anxiety, and post-partum feelings are common ground in our relationship.”
That relationship, and the trust that’s built during pregnancy and after the child is born, enables the doctor to have the hard conversations about cardiac issues that are identified through screening in utero. That early diagnosis is invaluable, providing the time to understand complexities, prepare, and make decisions about pre and post-natal care. “I’ve known these women longer than their baby has been alive. We’ve shared moments in life and become friends,” said Dr. Snyder.
