I became a nurse practitioner after seeing patients at the bedside and realizing I wanted to do more to help them. That led me to primary care, where I can stay involved in my patients' care over time. I focus on creating a welcoming environment where they feel comfortable sharing what they?re going through, and I work with them to build individualized plans that may include lifestyle changes alongside medical treatment. I encourage patients to set realistic goals, stay committed and approach each day as an opportunity to make progress.