15. SEEing Change in Maternal Mortality and Women's Health Disparities
Join us for an eye-opening discussion with Dr. Megan Rosenstein, and Isabel Pierre-Louis BSN RNC-OB as they shed light on the national health crisis of maternal mortality rates in the United States and the health disparities that exist for black and brown women across our country. This has been a topic that we have wanted to highlight for a long time so we are grateful to our guests for coming on the show and giving us an understanding of what is happening, why the numbers are going up, the heart-breaking disparities for black and brown mothers, and the innovative and equitable solutions that are being implemented at ATLANTIC HEALTH OVERLOOK HOSPITAL and across the country. Although this is a difficult topic to discuss, the good news is that the more awareness we can bring to the issues, the more we can all work towards a long term solve for this.
Dr. Megan Rosenstein is the Associate Chief Medical Officer and Director of Obstetric Anesthesia at Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Center in Summit New Jersey. Dr. Rosenstein came to Overlook from New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, where she completed her training in Anesthesiology with a focus on the care of high risk perinatal patients. In her time at Overlook, Dr. Rosenstein has actively participated in Atlantic Health’s system-wide Maternal Collaborative, Overlook’s Perinatal Safety and Quality Committee and spearheaded projects such as the Massive Transfusion Protocol, Opioid Reduction Task Force, protocoled response to Amniotic Fluid Embolism, and Enhanced Recovery after Cesarean Birth. Dr. Rosenstein is the New Jersey state representative for the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, which recognized Overlook as one of the first designated centers of excellence in Obstetric Anesthesia care. Dr. Rosenstein is a wife and mother to three sons and enjoys weekends on the sidelines and enjoying time with her family. She is an avid supporter of equitable access to women’s healthcare in New Jersey and beyond.
Isabel Pierre-Louis, R.N. bio.
Isabel Pierre-Louis, BSN, RNC-OB, is a career-long advocate of equitable, accessible, high-quality healthcare for all. In her specialty of obstetrical nursing, Isabel is attuned to the needs of women and birthing people, including the unique experiences of those chronically exposed to healthcare inequities, like the BIPOC communities.
Isabel joined Atlantic Health System at Overlook Medical Center as a staff nurse for Women’s Health Services in 2002. Isabel has been a nursing professional for over 21 years, including 4 years in leadership roles. In her leadership roles, Isabel contributed to myriad process and performance improvements, like providing Team STEPPS® training of interdisciplinary Labor & Delivery teams, developing and implementing checklists for operating room efficiencies, supporting nursing continuous professional development, leading teams to achieve or maintain the esteemed Baby-Friendly designation, and in 2023 she organized and led a screening for Birthing Justice.
In addition to promoting highly reliable clinical care for all women and birthing people, Isabel is committed to ensuring optimal, memorable patient-family experiences. She has facilitated the development of experiential enhancements, like parent support groups. Isabel is a firm believer that safety and satisfaction are inextricably linked and, through her compassionate leadership, strives to maintain that bond.
