I always knew I found my joy in helping others, from putting Band-Aids on the scraped knees of my siblings to caring for them when they were sick. Because of these early experiences, I job-shadowed at a local hospital in rural Kansas and found medicine to be a good fit. I discovered a career that would combine my joy for helping others with my academic ambitions in science and lifelong learning.

In medical school, I really enjoyed caring for patients of all age groups, especially families. I ultimately chose Internal Medicine/Pediatrics because it provided the confidence and training needed to care for the sickest patients in all age groups.

For the past 10 years, I have served as a primary care physician for Mercy Northwest Arkansas. I truly enjoy working for Mercy because it enables me to practice medicine in a way that reflects my personal values. I believe every person should be treated with dignity and respect simply for who they are. My goal is for patients to feel comfortable, heard and free from judgment. I want to listen and understand what matters most to each patient and try to find the best way to help them live the life they value.

One of the most rewarding aspects of primary care is the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and their families. I care for three or four generations of some families. It is such an honor to be trusted with this incredible responsibility. I love hearing stories of what is happening in their lives, from the grandkids up to the grandparents. Having this level of insight into their experiences makes their visits all the more fun, and knowing they want me to be part of their lives brings a deep sense of fulfillment.

In addition to my clinical role, I serve as a primary care physician lead for Mercy, with oversight of seven clinics. I work closely with the physicians and advanced practice providers to support them in providing the best care for our patients. The relationships I build with our Mercy providers are just as important to me as the relationships I have with my patients. We do the same work, so I understand the difficult parts as well as the time commitment of being a working parent.

As a mother of two young children, I understand that being fully present for family and work is a hard balance to manage. However, it's exactly this balancing act that makes me a better physician and leader. I have firsthand knowledge about the struggle many of my patients and colleagues face finding balance in their lives.

I understand the challenges that come with being a physician, and I have the privilege of working with and teaching medical students and new doctors in my clinics. I encourage them to find and protect their joy in medicine and in life.

I am hopeful that in working with the new medical students at AWSOM, we will be able to impart a love of primary care and the connections we have the opportunity to build. As our area continues its rapid growth, the demand for more healthcare providers grows as well. My hope is that some of our new medical students will stay and join us in the wonderful work that is primary care.