Nicolette McLain will be joining the UHS Family Medicine Residency in late June 2023. She graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine on May 20th at 26 weeks pregnant. 3 days later, she began the move from Arkansas to New York, where she will soon start her family medicine residency training program. 4 Days after arriving in New York, she began to feel sick and went to OB triage. She was diagnosed as having pre-eclampsia with effects on her kidney function and she was transferred to Upstate Hospital in Syracuse. After one week of inpatient treatment with severe elevations in her blood pressure, she had worsening labs with evidence of liver dysfunction, and the decision was made to deliver the baby. Baby Layla May was born on June 5th, 2023 via C-section at 28. She was born at 1.9 pounds and is currently in the NICU in Syracuse.

Nicolette will need extra time at home and extra support this year as her family is financially dependent on her and she also needs to recover and be able to provide care for her baby. As she is just about to start a new job in a new state, she does not qualify for almost any of the maternity leave benefits that would be available to other residents who had already joined their residencies. We are asking for funds so that Nicolette can spend time with her family and not be financially hurt by that decision.