My passion for integrative medicine began nearly 50 years ago. My personal interest in a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, yoga, and meditation took root while studying art, music, and humanities at The University of South Florida.
Early in my nursing career when I was working in an ICU stepdown unit, I found myself restless. I traveled to Calcutta, India to visit Mother Theresa at her Home for The Dying and Destitute. This transformative experience inspired me to become a family nurse practitioner and care for under resourced populations. I graduated from VUSN’s FNP program in 1983. Before graduation I was introduced to Alan Graber, MD, an endocrinologist who would ultimately train me and my classmate Anne Brown as Diabetes Nurse Practitioners. In 1986 Anne and I were among the first cohort in the US to become Certified Diabetes Educators and a few years later, Certified Diabetes Nurse Practitioners. Anne, Alan, and I worked together for 25-years. We developed a successful clinical practice, taught medical and nurse practitioner students, and published our clinical research. In 2010 we wrote a book, “A Life of Control: Stories of Living with Diabetes”. In 2015 we hosted and educated a group of Ethiopian and Israeli healthcare professionals who were struggling to manage an epidemic of diabetes in Ethiopian immigrants to Israel. We volunteered for many years at Siloam Family Health beginning when it was in 2 tiny apartments of the Cayce Holmes housing project.
In 2013, I felt restless again and made the transition to the Osher Center for Integrative Health. While I enjoyed the fast-paced demands of a busy diabetes and endocrinology clinic, I was about to turn 60. I considered retirement but instead chose to fulfill a lifelong dream to practice Integrative Health. Many of my former colleagues have retired, but I find it impossible to willingly give up the deeply rewarding experience of working at the Osher Center.
I have the honor and pleasure of working with 4 talented nurse practitioner colleagues. In general, we see medically complex patients whose conditions are often associated complex chronic pain, and who often have an overlay of significant emotional and psychological suffering. A history of psychological trauma is often present. These patients have typically been evaluated and treated by a variety of specialists prior to their referral to the Osher Center and arrive for their first visit feeling frustrated and hopeless that they will never feel better. Thankfully, the Osher Center includes an interdisciplinary team of very talented and passionate providers. It is a healing and resource-rich environment that can meet patients where they are at. With a steady stream of interns, residents, fellows and students, there is ample opportunity for educating and mentoring. It is a professional environment that encourages creativity and personal growth.
When not doing the work I love so much, you may find me with my husband, children or grandchildren, hiking, kayaking, or biking. You might also find me in my garden or playing my harp.