Susan A. Beringer, MSN, APRN

I was an intensive care nurse in New York City for 30 years when a colleague challenged me to return to school to become a nurse practitioner. So I did just that! By then I realized that family medicine was where my heart lay.

I come to work each day looking forward to seeing my patients. Each person has a different view of their health. I see my job as helping my patients find their way to their best health as they see it. Often this means lifestyle changes first and medications and testing second. Moving one step at a time through a well-crafted health plan should bring you to better health.

My patients have commented that I take the time to listen. When things seem daunting I maintain a positive attitude. They have also said that if I hadn't been direct with them, they wouldn't have:

• Gotten more active
• Dealt with their lifelong depression
• Lost weight
• Optimized their asthma or COPD
• Quit smoking or drinking
• Started taking their meds as ordered
• Stopped doing drugs

All members of the family bring valued contributions to my patients’ care plans. I include family members as much as my patients desire. If my patient prefers a non-traditional approach, I help them find the right alternative options. This may include massage therapy, meditation, or naturopathy. I enjoy making a difference in my patient's health each day. It is rewarding when we listen to each other and honor what each person brings to the visit.