Her Story
About Theresa
Theresa Hamm is the Stroke Team Coordinator at MercyOne Des Moines, where she has led the hospital's comprehensive stroke program for more than 21 years. With an impressive 43-year career in nursing, she has dedicated her professional life to advancing stroke care, improving patient outcomes, and developing systems that ensure rapid, evidence-based treatment. In her current role, she oversees stroke program operations from emergency medical services through post-acute care, manages Joint Commission certification, coordinates community and professional education, and supports patients and their families throughout the continuum of care.
Hamm began her career in critical care nursing before discovering her passion for neurology and acute stroke care under the mentorship of Dr. Thomas DeGraba at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. She subsequently helped build MercyOne Des Moines' certified stroke program from the ground up while contributing to stroke research and implementing innovative clinical protocols. She earned a Master of Arts in Bioethics and Health Policy from Loyola University Chicago, a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Grand View University, and completed her nursing education at Des Moines Area Community College. Her commitment to excellence was recognized when she was honored as the American Heart Association's Healthcare Provider of the Year.
Throughout her career, Hamm has remained passionate about combining clinical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care. She is committed to mentoring the next generation of nurses, advancing stroke treatment through research and innovation, and advocating for continued improvements in neurological care. Looking ahead, she plans to expand stroke care capabilities through advanced protocols and procedural services while preparing the next generation of leaders to ensure the continued success of the program she has spent decades building.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Theresa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, resilience, and a willingness to advocate for what I know is best for patients and the future of stroke care. I have never been afraid to challenge the status quo or accept "no" as the final answer when meaningful progress is possible. Building and expanding a successful stroke program requires the ability to clearly communicate the value of new initiatives, secure organizational support, and remain committed even when growth demands significant investment. That determination has enabled me to help advance stroke care for both patients and our community.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most influential pieces of career guidance I received came from my mentor, Dr. Thomas DeGraba, who recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue stroke coordination and stroke research. His confidence in my abilities helped me discover a specialty where I could make a lasting impact, and it reinforced the importance of seeking mentors who recognize strengths you may not yet see in yourself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to give yourself the opportunity to explore different areas of nursing before deciding on your career path. Every specialty offers unique experiences, and by trying different roles, you will eventually discover the area that truly inspires and motivates you. Once you find your passion, your work becomes more than a profession—it becomes a purpose. Stay curious, remain open to learning, and never stop pursuing the opportunities that align with what matters most to you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in stroke care today is the increasing number of younger patients experiencing strokes, often influenced by economic barriers that prevent people from obtaining healthcare coverage or accessing necessary medications. Workforce shortages in nursing also continue to place additional pressure on healthcare systems. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities through continued advances in stroke treatment, including thrombectomy, neuroprotective therapies, expanding endovascular capabilities, and ongoing clinical research. I also believe there is significant potential to further improve patient outcomes by expanding specialized services, including additional protocols and advanced aneurysm care.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe nursing is both a profession and a calling that requires technical excellence, compassion, and respect for every individual. The values that guide my work are compassion, dignity, advocacy, and a commitment to preserving both life and quality of life through timely stroke intervention. I also place great importance on mentoring future healthcare professionals, sharing knowledge, and helping others grow so they can continue advancing patient care long after my own career concludes.
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