For most of her life, Steelville, Mo. resident, Abigail Wishon, 29, sought medical care in Washington, Mo. It was convenient and relatively close to where she lived. When she learned she was pregnant in 2020, she called a few Ob/Gyns in Washington, Mo., but was unable to get an appointment.
“I was a little anxious, especially since this was my first pregnancy,” recalled Wishon. “I wanted that reassurance and peace of mind, so the idea of waiting to be seen by a doctor made me that much more nervous.”
Fortunately, Wishon found Amirah Tan Abdullah, MD, an Ob/Gyn at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital somewhat by accident. She was also able to get an appointment with her relatively quickly. Turns out, Dr. Tan was exactly who Wishon was looking for to help guide her through her prenatal journey.
“My first appointment with Dr. Tan was when I was six weeks pregnant. She also agreed to see me every week for the next few weeks to help calm my fears until we could see the baby’s heartbeat,” said Wishon. “Dr. Tan was incredibly patient and thorough, answering all my questions and never rushing me through my appointments. I also appreciated how her staff scheduled my appointments around my teaching schedule.”
Wishon’s first pregnancy with her son, Henry, went very smoothly. She saw Dr. Tan regularly at the Cuba Medical Office for her prenatal appointments. She appreciated being able to have her prenatal checkups so close to her workplace.
Dr. Tan is part of a team of prenatal and childbirth care providers at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital. She sees patients at the Sullivan Medical Office as well as at the Cuba Medical Office. Dr. Tan is one of two prenatal and childbirth care providers, who offer personalized, compassionate care for expectant moms, understand their needs and concerns, and collaborate with their patients to create birth plans that support their labor and delivery wishes. Part of BJC HealthCare, these providers offer management of low- and high-risk pregnancies, genetic testing and counseling, ultrasounds, and virtual visits (in certain cases).
Dr. Tan is proud of the relationships she has created with her patients, like Wishon, in Sullivan and the surrounding communities. She’s proud to provide them with exceptional, quality medical care that’s close to home.
“I really enjoy working with and getting to know my patients. My goal is to cater to their specific needs, so they can have the best prenatal and childbirth experiences possible,” said Dr. Tan.
That’s one of the things that drew Wishon to Dr. Tan.
“I love Dr. Tan and look forward to my appointments with her,” said Wishon. “She took the time to get to know me and understand my wishes and concerns. And she always remembers the little things, which I really appreciate.”
Wishon’s labor and delivery experience with her first pregnancy went smoothly as well. She enjoyed the comforts and support she received in the Mother Baby Unit at Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital, especially from the nursing staff.
“Alyssa, Casey, and Sarah were wonderful during my labor and delivery with Henry,” said Wishon. “I was really scared that the epidural was going to be painful, but my anesthesiologist did a fantastic job. She put me at ease and walked me through everything she was doing.”
Wishon also appreciated the breastfeeding support she received in the hospital, which led to a successful one-year breastfeeding experience with her son, Henry.
In 2022, when Wishon discovered she was pregnant with her second son, Jack, she looked forward to returning to Dr. Tan for her prenatal and childbirth care. And Dr. Tan was equally excited to see Wishon again and help guide her through another healthy pregnancy and delivery.
“It’s been so easy to work with Abigail throughout her pregnancy, delivery and postpartum journeys,” said Dr. Tan. “She is a great patient and such a lovely person. My staff adores her, too. I’m grateful that she has entrusted me with her medical care these last few years. I miss getting to see her regularly.”
Wishon also has fond memories of her prenatal experiences with Dr. Tan and her staff at the Cuba Medical Office. She’s even referred four of her good friends to Dr. Tan for their prenatal and childbirth care.
“I’m so thankful that I found Dr. Tan. She played a key role in shaping my pregnancy and delivery experiences, and I’ll be forever grateful to her,” said Wishon.
For more information about Dr. Tan or Missouri Baptist Sullivan Hospital’s Mother Baby Unit, please call (573) 860-6000.