What inspired you to get into medicine?
I remember getting a paperback book from school about Florence Nightingale, and it made nursing seem so heroic and adventuresome to a young girl. I was a candy striper at our local nursing home and fell in love with the older residents. That’s when I knew I wanted to make a career out of helping to make their lives better.
What can patients expect from you when coming in for an appointment?
I will listen and with their help, provide a plan that works best for everyone involved to better their life. I put a high value on honesty and communication. It's like a baseball game and I cannot play alone. It takes a pitcher and batter (the patient and I), an outfield, people covering the bases and an umpire (our lab, x-ray, nurses and all other departments) to help make the care I provide be at its best. We all need to have input, especially the patient!
What do you like to do in your downtime?
I love to quilt, work in my flower garden and read. The majority of my downtime, I spend with my granddaughters. When they visit, they love to go to the nursing home and hand out treats. I feel it is important to expose young children to the elderly. It is wonderful to watch them interact.
What is one interesting, unique or fun thing that most people may not know about you?
I am a tomboy. I love outdoor activities, but I am not very athletic.
