News & Stories
Spotlight: Louise Berry, care coordinator for the TPIAT Program
Where do people turn when faced with the unrelenting pain of chronic pancreatitis?
At University of Minnesota Medical Center, Louise Berry is often the first hopeful voice that new patients encounter. Berry is a care coordinator for the University of Minnesota Health Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Auto-Transplant (TP-IAT) Program. Berry explains how her work helps her patients rediscover the joys of everyday life.
Why are you passionate about your work?
I helped to create my role. The patients who come to our program are typically very sick and experiencing chronic pain. I am at the center of helping them find a way forward. It’s a hugely rewarding job. There seems to be no end to what we can do to develop the program and improve patient care.
What is one of your favorite memories from your job?
I remember passing through the clinic and catching a glimpse of a lady I recognized to be the mother of a patient. I went to say, “Hello,” and the person in front of her turned around and hugged me.
I was stunned.
It was her daughter—a patient who had been curled up in pain and very underweight when I first met her. But after a successful TP-IAT, the person hugging me was an attractive young lady with a huge vibrant smile. I couldn't believe it was the same person. Now she’s back to her favorite activities—even teaching Zumba classes—and living on her own. She has what we always wanted for her: her life back.