Imagine a healthcare hero who gives out her personal phone number to patients, ensuring they always have someone to call in their darkest hours. This is the story of Maureen Gartner, a nurse practitioner whose compassion and dedication have left an indelible mark on the lives of those battling Parkinson's disease. At the University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute, Gartner has become more than a caregiver—she’s a lifeline, a friend, and a beacon of hope for families like Pat and Mike Carroll.
But here's where it gets controversial: In an era where healthcare often feels transactional, Gartner’s approach raises a thought-provoking question—should all healthcare providers go the extra mile like she does, or is her level of commitment simply unsustainable in today’s medical landscape? Let’s dive into her story and you decide.
Around 2007, Pat Carroll began deep brain stimulation (DBS), a groundbreaking surgical therapy for Parkinson’s that delivers controlled electrical pulses to regulate movement. Years later, when the device suddenly malfunctioned, Mike Carroll, Pat’s husband and caregiver, panicked. In a moment of crisis, he called Gartner. Over the phone, she calmly guided him through troubleshooting steps, reassuring him that Pat would be okay. It turned out the stimulator had accidentally been turned off—a small oversight with huge implications. This incident cemented the Carrolls’ trust in Gartner, who has since become their go-to resource for navigating the ever-changing challenges of Parkinson’s.
And this is the part most people miss: Gartner’s impact extends far beyond medical expertise. She’s a caregiver’s advocate, drawing from her own experience of caring for her mother after a stroke. ‘I understand the stress of caregiving,’ she says, ‘the 24/7 exhaustion.’ This empathy has forged deep connections with patients and their families, making her an irreplaceable figure in their lives.
The Carrolls honored Gartner’s legacy last year with a generous gift to the neuroscience institute, a tribute to her 20 years of unwavering support. Their donation enabled the hiring of Jona Ridgway, a registered dietitian, whose work has been instrumental in stabilizing Pat’s weight—a common struggle for Parkinson’s patients as the disease progresses. ‘Jona has been a game-changer,’ Mike says, ‘and we’re grateful for the institute’s continued support.’
But Gartner’s humility shines through. ‘Caring for people is just who I am,’ she says. Yet, her colleagues disagree. ‘Maureen is extremely special,’ notes Dr. Emily Hill, associate professor of Clinical Neurology. ‘Replacing her when she retires will be nearly impossible.’
Pat Carroll’s journey with Parkinson’s is equally remarkable. A former second-grade teacher and avid tennis player, she was diagnosed 27 years ago. Today, she describes living with the disease as ‘hard’ and misses her active lifestyle. Yet, she considers herself blessed—especially for her family, including Mike, her husband of 52 years, and their nine grandchildren. One grandchild even made a cardboard sign that reads, ‘Grit like Grandma,’ a testament to Pat’s resilience.
The Carrolls’ gift has also fueled critical research at the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s Disease. Dr. Hill’s team is exploring innovative approaches, such as repurposing existing medications to address cognitive impairment and studying the role of alpha-synuclein proteins in Parkinson’s. ‘We’re shifting our focus,’ Dr. Hill explains, ‘from eliminating these proteins to supplementing the brain with what it’s lost.’
So, here’s the question: Should healthcare providers like Maureen Gartner be the exception, or the rule? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation about the future of compassionate care.
