Hi, I’m TISH.

I help healthcare systems and offices review protocols, develop policies, and train staff in trauma-informed, person centered care in order to enhance the patient experience and improve staff morale and retention.

- Traci Kurtzer MD

My Approach

Safety / Transparency / Peer Support

I have over 30 years experience as an OBGYN clinician in a variety of settings from group private practice to solo private practice to a hospital based specialty clinic. Due to my innovative approach to patient centered care, I won numerous awards and became the Medical Director of Trauma Informed Care & Education as a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. I look at every problem facing patients and workers in healthcare through the lens of solving it ensuring the emotional and physical safety of all affected. I provide insight and clarity to some of the serious issues that have permeated medical care due to trauma and educate as a peer who worked so hard to be very intentional in my trauma-informed practice with my patients, colleagues and non-clinical administrators.

Mutuality / Collaboration / Respect

I work with administrators, program managers, ancillary and clinical staff to integrate more awareness of the trauma caused to both healthcare workers and patients from our current systems of care. By providing culturally aware trauma-informed care training and policies for all, healthcare systems can evolve into much more holistic centers of care and in doing so, improve patient outcomes and better support staff.

  • POLICY

    Review, Revise, or Create

  • TRAINING

    Virtual or In-person

  • COMMUNITY

    Patients/Clients + Staff

Abuse Screening & Intervention Policy

Reviewed current policy and created a trauma-informed approach to both screening and intervention for patients dealing with domestic abuse and/or human trafficking for Northwestern Hospital. Also created the first practice advisory for the work up of strangulation and choking as common causes of traumatic brain injury for survivors of intentional interpersonal violence and gender based violence.

Case Studies

Post Sexual Assault Care Clinic

Recognized a gap in patient care and created the first designated, trauma-informed gynecologic care clinic at Northwestern Hospital for survivors of sexual assault in the Chicagoland area. This innovative model of care and the benefits to survivors for their health and for prevention of re-victimization is has been recognized nationally by various women’s organizations and is now being replicated .

Social Determinants of Health Screening

Created an enduring content training for staff providing trauma-informed screening for social determinants of heath (SDOH) at Northwestern Medicine health system. The goal was to learn trauma informed principles so that the screening itself was not re-traumatizing to patients. Staff who engage in trauma informed screening have found it to be an opportunity to better understand and learn about the health barriers their patients face.

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Awards and Recognitions

  • Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, University of Florida 1987

  • Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, University of Florida 1990

  • WC Thomas Outstanding Medical Student OBGYN Clerkship, University of Florida 1991

  • OBGYN Resident Clinical Skills Award, Rush Medical Center, Chicago 1997

  • Certified Menopause Practitioner of the Year, The Menopause Society 2019

  • Victoria J. Mastrobuono Award for Women’s Health, National Organization for Women 2021

  • Lila B. Wallis MD Award for Women’s Health, American Medical Women’s Association 2024

  • Illinois State Medical Society Volunteer Physician of the Year 2024

  • WEAVE (Working to End Abuse & Violence Effectively) Award from Connections for Abused Women & Children (CAWC) Chicago 2024

Get in Touch!

Schedule a free 30” exploratory session with me to discuss your needs and how I might be able to help your team or project .

FAQs

  • First things first, we'll start with a free consultation to determine your needs and my availability.

  • Pricing is based on both the project's scope and your desired timeline. I promise fair rates that will work with your goals in mind. Pro bono or reduced rates for not-for-profit agencies may be available upon request. Travel expenses charged to client.

  • Timelines depend on the project, but can range from an hour long training up to a month for a more extensive policy review, revamp and implementation session with an office or healthcare system. Expert testimony is based on the legislative or court schedules.

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