 Treatment Philosophy
"My philosophy and approach to pain management includes a holistic treatment plan. I like to use a comprehensive diagnostic approach for evaluations and use all current treatment modalities appropriate once pain generator(s) are identified. Pain is multidimensional and should be treated as such." Kelly says there are no quick fixes in pain management and it is important to be honest and open with patients on various treatment options. Her goal is to help people find some relief from their pain and learn ways to maximize their health and wellness. "I believe that we all have choices to make; we just need to know all our options to make the best choice for each of us. I see myself as an educator and clinician. I believe the best plan is one where everyone is working together toward the same end goal."
The aspect of my practice that I enjoy the most is helping people find ways to maximize their potential. Every person brings a story of their life and how they arrived at my door for treatment.
Special Interests:
"After spending more than half of my life in healthcare, I would have to say that the aspect of my practice that I enjoy the most is helping people find ways to maximize their potential. Every person brings a story of their life and how they arrived at my door for treatment. I see my job as taking the information I receive from them and, along with the exam, putting the pieces of the puzzle together to maximize their health and well-being. Pain can be very complex, having acute and chronic components. I enjoy combining holistic care with state of the art treatments for my patients whenever possible. I also enjoy getting to know my patients and doing my best to help them."
Professional Journey
"I have always enjoyed helping people and felt working in healthcare was my calling as a profession. Some of my earliest memories are being in the emergency room with my younger sister who is severely handicapped. I was always involved with her care and curious about procedures she was having done. I can remember my nose barely reaching the exam table she was on so I could see what they were doing. My job was distracting her during the exam and procedures and I did that well. I went into nursing right out of high school."
Upon graduating nursing school, Kelly DeFeo went directly into critical care where she worked ICU and trauma. In 1992, Kelly graduated as a Nurse Anesthetist and moved to Utah where she worked for almost eight years. While in Utah she owned her own business providing a broad range of anesthesia services including pain management before moving back east in 2000 to be closer to family. "Since moving back to New Hampshire in 2000, I have been involved in all aspects of anesthesia delivery but specifically focusing on pain management. I have been involved in both the Utah and New Hampshire State Nurse Anesthetists Association on the executive board and as their President. I have worked on legislation to ensure those in rural communities have continued access to comprehensive anesthesia and pain care."
Professional Certifications & Associations
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- New Hampshire Association of Nurse Anesthetists
- New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Association
- Member Sigma Theta Tau International
Other professional/educational achievements:
- President NH Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NHANA) ‘11-Present
- Secretary Treasurer NHANA ‘07-11
- President Utah Association of Nurse Anesthetists (UANA) ’95-98
- ACLS, BLS
Education
- RN Saint Francis Hospital School of Nursing. CT (1984)
- BSN State University of New York, New Paltz (1989)
- MS Hospital of Saint Raphael School of Nurse Anesthesia. CT (1992)
- BN, MN, DN, PhD American Institute of Holistic Theology. AL (1996-2005)
"When not treating patients, I enjoy... time with my husband and two sons, playing with my three little dogs, skiing, snowshoeing, gardening, reading, laughing with family and friends."
Joined the PainCare family: 2011
Can be seen in: North Conway |
