As a registered nurse and patient advocate for Simmons Hanly Conroy, I have the unique opportunity to serve as the medical liaison in an overwhelming legal world – directly assisting those affected by mesothelioma. My role blends the medical world with legal consulting, meaning in addition to providing healthcare information and treatment options to clients, my team helps the trial team by collecting medical evidence, interpreting records and charts, and interacting with outside medical experts to assist in each client’s case discovery.

Prior to my 20 years at Simmons Hanly Conroy, I spent 10 years focused on home health care. I cared for terminally ill patients who were battling many different types of illnesses. However, when I began work at Simmons, I quickly realized how very rare and complex mesothelioma is, not only for the patient, but for their entire family. Acquiring knowledge is the first and, in my opinion, the most important step in dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Answering patient questions, explaining options, and sometimes just listening to a patient and their loved ones is the number one reason why I’m here. It’s my privilege to help empower those diagnosed to move forward when they are ready to seek appropriate treatment.

It is important families work with their health care team and/or mesothelioma specialists to select the best treatment being offered. There have been many advances in the treatment of mesothelioma over the years and I am hopeful with ongoing funding and research, we move closer each day to finding a cure. Until that time comes, I’m here to help mesothelioma patients and their families in any way I can.