My name is Jacqui Kates and I am an Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Western Massachusetts. I have lived and worked in this area since 2006. It was soon after that I first encountered Empty Arms. At the time, I was in private practice in the Northampton area and had a strong desire to provide extensive emotional support for my patients.
As an obstetrician, I am fortunate to share the moments of immeasurable joy with my patients; I am also honored to be present for, and bear witness to, the overwhelming sorrow that is experienced when a child dies. Therefore, I am forever grateful to be able to guide my patients and friends toward Empty Arms. This is a welcoming community full of caring, non-judgmental folks who offer meaningful support and compassion that extends beyond the clinical setting.
I currently work as an obstetrician/gynecologist at Baystate Medical Center, where, in addition to direct patient care, I also supervise and teach residents and medical students. I have been fortunate enough to have an outstanding medical training, but traditional training often ignores this particular aspect of our patients’ lives. I consistently strive to incorporate the psychosocial aspects of medicine into my teaching.
My professional interests include the psychosocial determinants of health, adolescent gynecology, community outreach, and perinatal mood disorders (including postpartum depression and anxiety). I have previously worked with MotherWoman, training other healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat, and support patients with perinatal mood disorders. I also volunteer and have been on the executive committee of a local private school board for many years. I live in Northampton and in my rare and ever so precious free time, I try to spend every second soaking up time with my extraordinary family.