Gabrielle A. Schuerman, ND, APRN

As a family nurse practitioner, I enjoy caring for the whole family: parents, grandparents and children. The relationships that I have built with these families over the years are the most rewarding part of my job.

I see myself as a partner in my patients' journey towards better health. I listen closely to their stories so that I can help them to identify ways to improve their well-being. Often the most important contributors to health are the most simple: joyful relationships, sleep, good nutrition, physical activity and relaxation. Sometimes, however, these are also the most difficult to change or attain.

As a generalist, I focus on the whole picture. When my patients need care from specialists, I offer support and can help to translate the sometimes-complex conditions and treatments into simpler terms. Many times, I take on the role of advocate, asking questions of the specialists that patients may not have thought of, or offering more information that might help to personalize their treatment.

One of the most important things I want my patients to know is that I really care about them. If I don't know the answer to something, I will try to find somebody who does, and I will stick with them through the whole process.