In October, Frederick Health recognized Dr. Christopher Ackerman, Emily Geisbert, RN, and Sarah Groves, RN, with the Good Catch Award—an honor that celebrates situational awareness, strong communication, and the willingness to speak up in the interest of patient safety.
This recognition reflects the very values Ob Hospitalist Group strives to instill every day on the labor and delivery unit: leadership at all levels, trust within the care team, and a relentless focus on safety.
Situational awareness in action
A laboring patient was being closely monitored when Primary Nurse Sarah Groves identified concerning changes in the fetal heart rate tracing. Initially classified as Category 2, the tracing later deteriorated to Category 3, signaling the need for urgent intervention.
At the time, the patient’s primary obstetrician was engaged in a scheduled surgical case in the main operating room and would not be immediately available. Rather than waiting, Sarah Groves and Charge Nurse Emily Geisbert relied on their clinical judgment and the hospital’s Chain of Command policy to escalate their concerns. Feeling empowered and supported, they contacted the on-call obstetrician, Dr. Christopher Ackerman, without hesitation.
Rapid response, trusted leadership
Dr. Ackerman arrived at the bedside within minutes of being notified. After reviewing the fetal tracing and speaking directly with the patient and her family, he quickly established trust and explained the need for immediate delivery.
Thanks to clear communication, teamwork, and decisive leadership, the patient was transferred to the operating room rapidly, and an emergency cesarean section was performed. The outcome was exactly what every care team hopes for: a healthy baby, a safe mother, and a grateful family.
A model of the OBHG mission
One of the core goals emphasized within Ob Hospitalist Group is situational awareness—being ready to help at any point, any time. This event exemplified that philosophy. It also demonstrated what happens when nurses feel confident escalating concerns, physicians respond without delay, and the entire team operates with a shared commitment to safety.
OBHG providers work alongside nursing colleagues to create an environment where trust and communication are not just encouraged but expected. This Good Catch is a powerful reminder that excellent outcomes are rarely the result of one individual—they are the product of a team working together in the moments that matter most.
Congratulations on a well-deserved recognition
Frederick Health’s recognition of Dr. Ackerman, Emily Geisbert, and Sarah Groves highlights the impact of empowered nursing, responsive physician leadership, and policies that support speaking up for patients.
Congratulations to all three awardees on this well-earned honor and thank you for setting the standard for patient safety, teamwork, and excellence in obstetric care.
Pictured from left to right:
Meghan Speiser, RN Clinical Specialist for L&D
Dr. Christopher Ackerman, OBHG Site Director
Sarah Groves, RN Staff L&D
Emily Geisbert, Charge RN L&D
Kristen Edler, RCA (Root Cause Analysis) Manager, Frederick Health
Angela Caruso, RN Clinical Manager L&D