As I sat down at Hazels Coffee Shop waiting for Katie to join me, I thought to myself “This is going to be a fun interview!” Katie Gilmore is a new Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) for Northwest Health Services. We were actually in the same orientation class on February 1, 2010. We found we had mutual friends, and our personalities connected immediately. You will not find a more bubbly, fun, personable and caring provider.

So over mixed berry smoothies, we had this conversation:

AG: What do you practice?
KG: I am a family nurse practitioner in the rural setting of Hamilton, MO.

AG: What was your education like? Where did you go to school?
KG: It was challenging and busy, but a great experience at UMKC.  I received a BSN from Missouri Western State University, and my MSN from UMKC. I then sat for the Boards examination for the AANP (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners) in order to become a certified FNP.

AG: How long have you been practicing medicine?
KG: 14 months

AG: Why did you choose to work at a community health center rather than a private practice or hospital?
KG: I feel like I’m really helping people that might be turned away from a private practice, which makes you feel like your work has a great purpose and that you’re doing something good for people.

AG: Describe what your first year/months at NHS have been like. Is it was you expected?
KG: I have only good experiences, and the staff I have worked with has been really in sync each other. Everything has been very organized, and in the rural setting, the patients have been more appreciative than in the urban setting with a more easily accessible hospital.

AG: What things do you like about Hamilton?
KG: I like that it’s a small town, and I have patients that own the local grocery store or work at the local diner. I like that. It’s so personal.

AG: What health concerns do you see with the people of Hamilton, MO?
KG: In general I find that I see fewer visits for preventive healthcare.  People tend to come only if something is bothering them at the moment instead of preventing these things by coming on a regular basis. I have a lot of no-shows for well-child visits, pap smears, blood pressure checks, diet and weight counseling.

AG: How do you feel the quality of care patients receive at NHS is compared to other places you’ve worked at?
KG: Guidelines are followed to the national standard, which is the best thing that you can do. The Providers are monitored as to how well they are following these guidelines. There is a lot of accountability, and there is valuable feedback that I never had at other jobs.

AG: What health topic are you passionate about?
KG: Anxiety and depression. I have a background in mental health nursing.

AG: What are your hobbies?
KG: Home improvement (I bought a house a year ago).  Hanging out with my dog, Pete, cat, Opie, and sometimes, my boyfriend, Joe. J

AG: What would your alternate career choice be?
KG: To open my own gym.

AG: What is your favorite food?
KG: Sierra Turkey Sandwich with Potato soup at Panera.

AG: Where would you like to travel?
KG: In my 5 yr plan, I’d like to backpack Europe.

AG: Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
KG: I can’t pick one person because my entire family has all played an influential role in my life. I love them all!

Look for more provider interviews to come!
Anna G.