We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jana Spillers. Check out our conversation below.
Jana , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I used to think that outpatient pediatric primary care was a monotonous revolving door of well checks and sniffles…before I went into primary care for myself. I spent 17 years in the fast paced environment of the NICU. We raced to emergent deliveries, flew in helicopters to pick up critically ill infants and saved tiny lives on a daily basis. Primary care seemed dull in comparison. I realize now that couldn’t be further from the truth. I spend my days ordering labs without a pathologist to consult, formulating complex infant formula recipes without the support of a dietician and coordinating every therapy and service under the sun without a case manager. I provide advocacy services to families struggling to navigate the NICU and consult with midwives to support them in caring for their patients with complex situations arise. I provide second and third opinions, catch undiagnosed birth defects and genetic anomalies and direct admit to ICUs all over the metroplex. No two days are ever the same. I sometimes find myself thankful for well checks and sniffles.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Wonderfully Made Wellness Sanctuary is an integrative pediatric practice offering a wide range of holistic care from new parent classes to sick/well visits, lactation and management of complex conditions. We are focused on patient andvocacy, educating parents and providing full informed consent. We often serve as the 2nd, or 5th, opinion in complex chronic conditions.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me that I needed to choose just one career path, I wanted to deliver babies and also be their pediatrician. As a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, I attended high risk deliveries and cared for the sickest of the sick infants for years. When I went into primary care, I also began working with midwives attending home births. I was again able to care for my pediatric patients from birth.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Career challenges never pushed me to the brink of giving up but motherhood did. I’ve struggled with leaving my children to go to work but also don’t want to abandon my calling. I worry about my patients when I’m at home and worry about my children when I’m at work. I think many mothers struggle with this, no matter their profession.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
My industry tends to accept protocol as evidence based practice, even when the evidence is continually changing. Healthcare should always be innovating, rather than accept “that’s what we’ve always done” as what we should continue doing.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope that people remember that I stood up for what I believed was right rather than just going along with the crowd.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wmwsanctuary.com
- Instagram: The.essential.mom
- Facebook: Jana Ivey Spillers
Image Credits
Ashley Freese
