Q&A with Dr. Elisabeth Potter

Excellence. Empowerment. Education. Patient care. These are the four main pillars that comprise Dr. Potter’s practice and while this year may have been different than any we’ve previously seen, we’re thankful to have remained connected to our patients and to have continued building upon these values. Putting our patients first, Dr. Potter leads by example daily to deliver quality care that keeps patients safe and at ease and makes them feel like family. To share more about the practice is Dr. Potter, herself!

Q: We’ve had a lot of things happen in 2020, to say the least. What has been your silver lining this year?

A: When the pandemic first started, I realized that there are very few times in life where you can really show up for other people and this was an opportunity to do just that. This year has given us the chance to show the women we work with what we’re about. We take care of each other and we put our patients’ needs in front of ours.

Q: That’s amazing. Over the years, you’ve had the honor of making a positive impact in many women’s lives. Who are the women that have impacted yours – outside of your patients?

A: I’m inspired by the people I work with. Every day, I am surrounded by women who demonstrate what it means to take care of patients with the highest of standards.

On another level, I’d say my sister, who is my best friend. She’s always had a level-head about her and a way of looking at things that’s very grounded. Throughout life, she’s inspired me to be my personal best and never wanted me to be anything I’m not.

My Grandma Ruby also had a huge influence on me. Growing up, I idolized her. After Pearl Harbor, there was a national call for single nurses to serve and she signed up, where she became an officer and performed anesthesia state side. She went on to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, the same hospital I trained at in medical school.

Q: As we reflect upon what we’re thankful for this week, can you share what you are thankful for in terms of the practice?

A: I’m thankful that patients allow me to join them on their journey, and I speak for my entire staff when I say that it’s really a privilege. We draw so much joy from walking alongside them, hearing their stories and trying to help in all the ways that we can. I’m also thankful that they’re willing to be helped. I’m thankful that human beings reach out to each other and care for one another and I love that it’s part of my job.

Q: One of the practice’s pillars is patient empowerment. Tell us a little bit about that and why it’s important to you.

A: We educate our patients so that they have the information they need at their disposal to make the best decisions for treatment. Specifically, for breast cancer, at the beginning of a diagnosis, it’s common for women to feel overwhelmed and get swept up in this tide of treatments. There are a lot of protocols and steps to follow. Breast reconstruction brings in an element of choice. It’s the ability to provide agency when patients may be feeling especially vulnerable and to present advanced reconstructive options for patients to consider, plan on and look forward to. I met with a woman recently who told me that meeting with us to discuss her reconstruction options was her, “favorite thing, because we’re talking about when this is over.” To be able to provide that feeling to a patient is something I can’t describe.

Q: Very powerful! What role does patient empowerment play for patients outside of the breast cancer journey, that are seeking cosmetic or aesthetic treatments?

A: When it comes to breast implant awareness, having conversations with women about their breast and implant health, and supplying them with information, empowers them to respond in a manner that’s best for them.

On the aesthetic side, it’s about empowering patients to realize their standard of beauty, and that is different for everyone. I never try to make someone look like someone else. I always approach the conversation by asking what patients are looking for to ensure it’s the right time and that it won’t do more harm than good. I ask patients how they want to feel, because it’s not just about how they look.

Q: How do you want patients to feel after an initial consultation with you?

A: After an initial consult, I want patients to feel like I heard them, and I know who they are. I want them to feel like I provided them valuable information so that they can start to think about what’s best for them or begin to make decisions for themselves. I want them to know that we’re here when they need help.

To schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Potter, please fill out our contact form today: www.drpotter.com/contact-us/