Michelle Montgomery presented Transplant Doulas: Building Bridges Along the Transplant Care Continuum and was awarded “Most Innovative Abstract”
Presentation for the International Transplant Nurses Society Annual Symposium is Awarded
The Transplant Doula™ founder, Michelle Montgomery, flew to Dallas, Texas, this past month to introduce attendees of the International Transplant Nurses Society Annual Symposium to transplant doulas. This presentation, titled “Transplant Doulas: Building Bridges Along the Transplant Care Continuum” was awarded ‘Most Innovative Abstract.’
The symposium brought together world-class transplant field leaders and team members, renowned experts, practitioners, and professionals from the transplant nursing community—none of whom had ever heard about transplant doulas before.
The presentation focused on three learning outcomes for attendees:
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“I was incredibly nervous to stand in front of an international audience and present something that is so new,” Michelle admits with a laugh. “It’s based on a proven model of care, yes, but it’s still a concept I developed myself—and there’s always that voice in the back of your head that tells you you’re drinking your own Kool-Aid.”
Historically, there’s been tension between medical practitioners and doulas. However, this tension cannot and should not exist in the transplant journey because of how integral the approach to patient support is to the overall success of transplantation. So the question then becomes, ‘How can transplant doulas and transplant teams forge lasting relationships and work together?’
After the presentation, attendees approached Michelle with a hunger to learn more about transplant doulas. Nurses and coordinators shared stories of single parents navigating their child’s transplant alone, out-of-area patients having no support systems, and so many more. “The reception was overwhelmingly positive,” she says. “It showed me that transplant teams not only see the value of transplant doulas, they’re genuinely excited and open to what collaboration might look like.”
As for the award? Well, Michelle can’t stop the smile that blooms when the subject comes up. Only two awards were presented: one for the most innovative abstract, which aims to highlight thought leadership in the progression of the transplant field, and the other for research development. This recognition will influence The Transplant Doula™ goals and strategic planning for the upcoming year, as it affirms the possibility of integration with transplant centers/OPOs.
But Michelle won’t comment on what capacity, yet. Even with the newfound momentum and a growing network of supporters, she’s clear that she’s consciously choosing to keep the focus on finishing the core course development and expanding the elective courses provided to members for the remainder of the year. “I’m still creating the foundational aspects of who we are and what we stand for—and after that has had time to solidify, then I’ll set my sights on how we’ll develop long-lasting relationships with leaders in the field of transplantation. My priority, right now, is supporting the students we currently have…and opening the doors again for new students to join before January gets here.”
One thing is definitive: the opportunity to present at the 2023 Annual Symposium for the International Transplant Nurses Society was a highlight for Michelle—and she’s now fueled with a tsunami of energy for what’s next.