Nurse Practitioner
Surgery
Department: Surgery
I am a board-certified nurse practitioner who specializes in providing comprehensive weight management care. I primarily work with patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric procedures such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I am involved in every step of the process, from helping patients prepare for the surgery to providing follow-up treatment. I also provide care for those with a history of adjustable gastric banding. In my role as a surgical advanced practice provider (APP) lead, I have the privilege of mentoring and supporting surgical APPs in multiple clinical areas.
My patients can expect personalized treatment plans, and I always consider their specific strengths and limitations to achieve the best results possible. I believe in the chronic nature of obesity, and I am focused on providing exceptional weight management care to help improve each patient’s overall health and quality of life. I am also passionate about education in this area. While my practice is focused on adult patients, I feel strongly that we need to address the family, educational and institutional structures that place both adults and children at risk for health problems related to excess weight.
It’s a privilege to continue my career at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, where the wealth of resources is unparalleled. I appreciate the opportunity to consult, collaborate and learn from other expert specialists in this interdisciplinary environment, which further enhances the care we can offer to our patients. My role at Ohio State also includes training future providers as a preceptor for APP students.
Since joining the team here at Ohio State, I am proud to have been involved in efforts to expand care opportunities for advance practice providers in the state. I was part of the team that worked to obtain prescriptive privileges for nurse practitioners for weight management medications, including phentermine, phentermine-topiramate, bupropion-naltrexone and liraglutide.
In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I serve on the Support Group committee in the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), and I am a fellow of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA). I was also a founding APP board member of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract (SSAT).
When I’m not working, I love spending time outdoors. I enjoy relaxing with my family, cooking, reading and working in the garden.
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.