Stephanie Yates holds a BSN from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MSN from Duke University with a primary focus in adult oncology. She later completed a Post Masters certificate as an adult nurse practitioner. Her WOC nursing training was completed at Emory in 1981. Practicing for over 30 years, ostomy patients have always been a large part of her practice. Active with her local UOAA chapter since 1981, she serves as program chair and professional advisor. In her current professional position, she sees patients throughout the Duke Cancer Center, in all stages of treatment and survival. Over half of her clinical time involves ostomy patients, either pre-op, immediately post-op or at any point following ostomy surgery.