Meet Our High-Risk Pregnancy Team
A high-risk pregnancy requires experienced care. The kind of care you and your baby will receive by the high-risk pregnancy team at Fort Sanders Perinatal Center where we’ve delivered more than 26,000 high-risk babies and have served women in East Tennessee for more than 25 years. Our expert perinatal staff can assess your baby’s condition using 3D ultrasound, rule out or confirm potential pregnancy complications, and help you make the best possible healthcare decisions unique to your situation—from conception, all the way through delivery. Learn more about our high-risk pregnancy team.
Perinatologists
Perinatologists are high-risk pregnancy doctors known as Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists.
Perry Roussis, MD, FACOG
Director, Fort Sanders Perinatal Center
Medical Degree
Cetec University, 1982
Residency
Wayne State University, Internal Medicine & Obstetrics and Gynecology
Fellowship
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Maternal-fetal Medicine
Certification
Board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology & Maternal-Fetal Medicine by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Awarded a 2015 Healthcare Hero by the Greater Knoxville Business Journal
Voted Top Doc in CityView Magazine since 2002.
“We consider it a privilege to work with families and help bring a new life into the world. Many women never expected a high-risk pregnancy, so we take our roles as educators and physicians very seriously.”
Gary Stephens, DO, FACOOG
Medical Degree
Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, 1986
Residency/Internship
One-year internship: Still Hospital, Missouri
Four years training: Chicago, Illinois
Fellowship
Rockford Regional Perinatal Center, Maternal-fetal Medicine
Certification
Board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology by the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Specialty
Specialty trained in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Voted Top Doc in CityView Magazine since 2002.
“It is a team effort between referring physician, our nurses, sonographers, genetic counselors, and support staff to help mothers during such a difficult time. But the effort is always worth the success when a healthy baby is delivered.”
Steven Andrade, MD, FACOG
Medical Degree
St. George’s University School of Medicine, 2011
Residency
Obstetrics and Gynecology,
University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis
Fellowship
Maternal-Fetal Medicine,
Wake Forest University
Specialty
Specialty trained in Maternal-Fetal Medicine
“Getting to work alongside a healthcare team that is nationally recognized for excellence in patient care and who has been a pillar to this community for decades is an honor. My commitment to the women, children, and families of this great community will be unwavering, and it’s humbling being charged with taking care of the most complicated pregnancies. I consider it a privilege. I always say that my goals are simple: “healthy mom and healthy baby.” Because of that, when caring for you and your baby, it’s my pledge to really listen to you, provide you with the most up-to-date information surrounding your care, and engage in shared decision making as much as possible to optimize your health and that of your growing family.”
Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives
At each visit to our office you will be cared for by one of our nurse practitioners in collaboration with our physicians. A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with advanced training and education. Each of our nurse practitioners have earned a master’s degree and are board certified with specialties in women’s health and/or nurse midwifery. Our practitioners provide examinations, counseling, diagnostics and treatment. Together, they have more than 100 years of combined nursing experience in providing excellence in maternal and fetal medicine.
Phone Nurse
Our phone nurse is available during office hours to assist you with prescription refills, answer questions, and make referrals to other providers. If you are experiencing a problem, she will work with our nurse practitioners and physicians to determine if the problem can be handled over the phone or if you need to be seen in the office. If an office visit is warranted, the phone nurse will set up an appointment that accommodates your needs.
Genetic Counselors
Our genetic counselors hold master’s degrees in genetic counseling and are certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Genetic counseling allows us to better understand your unique situation so a personalized pregnancy care plan can be tailored to meet your needs. Our genetic counselors will inform and educate you about your risk factors and will explain options available to you, while supporting and facilitating any decision you make.
Diabetes Counselors
The Fort Sanders Perinatal Center offers services for pregnant women with preexisting diabetes and those diagnosed with gestational diabetes (those who develop diabetes during pregnancy). Our diabetes counselors develop an individualized care plan to assist you in successfully managing your diabetes during pregnancy. Our goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy and maintain optimal blood glucose control in order to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby.
Care Coordinator
Our care coordinator, Jill Edds, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who provides personalized assistance for women with a variety of needs before, during, and after pregnancy. Needs may range from assistance with transportation, food, or housing to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and grief related to unanticipated pregnancy outcomes. She provides complete care for women and babies requiring additional services by serving as a liaison with referring obstetricians, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and pediatric follow-up provider and sub-specialists.
Sonographers
Our ultrasound sonographers couple their expertise with the entire high-risk pregnancy team of perinatologists, nurse practitioners and genetic counselors to provide excellent care and accuracy in diagnosing fetal abnormalities. They have experience ranging from 5 to 30 years in obstetric imaging and are certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. In addition, our sonographers have specialized training and certification for early detection of chromosome anomalies and fetal anatomical abnormalities, known as Fetal Nuchal Translucency/Nasal Bone Assessment. They also are certified to perform Maternal Cervical Assessment to aid in prevention of early delivery and miscarriage that otherwise may not be detected.