Chery Wormington is our newest provider with Northwest Health Services. She is practicing at our Family Medicine Associates in St. Joseph. She is the type of person that you meet and feel like you’ve known her your whole life. She is so down to earth and completely approachable. She has many years of experience, and you can quickly tell that she loves what she does, and she cares about her patients. We are happy to welcome her to our Family Medicine Associates Clinic!

AG: What do you practice?
CW: Family Medicine

AG: Where are you from?
CW: I’m originally from St. Joseph but went to High School in Savannah. I later moved to Kansas City in 1993 and have been there ever since.

AG: What was your education like? Where did you go to school?
CW: I received my bachelors degree in nursing (BSN) from Webster University, and my RN through Methodist Center of Nursing in St. Joseph. My nurse practitioner program was at UMKC, and my education wasn’t too terribly challenging because I had the opportunity to work PRN while I was in school, so I was able to complete my degree in 14 months.

AG: How long have you been practicing medicine?
CW: RN since 1984, Nurse Practitioner since 1997.

AG: Why did you choose to work at a community health center rather than a private practice?
CW: First of all, I was ready to leave the ER (spent 7 years there). Before that I spent 2 years in family practice, 2 years teaching a nurse practitioner program (UMKC), and 1 year in women’s health. I got a call for an interview with a few different groups (hospitalist, internal medicine, another ER, orthopedic surgeon) but NHS stood out the most.

AG: Describe what your first few months at NHS have been like. Is it was you expected?
CW: They have been educational. There isn’t much difference between the population that I saw in the ER, but it’s been a challenge to update myself on standards and protocol and clinical guidelines as well as the expectations of the organization. I didn’t have any expectations, so it’s just a matter of learning and remember how things have to be done.

AG: What things do you like about St. Joseph?
CW: My whole family is here. My church is here. It is a cohesive medical community. It’s well-rounded, current, and up-to-date. I’ve worked at a lot of hospitals and communities in Kansas City, and we all share the same ups and downs.

AG: What health concerns do you see with the people of St. Joseph, MO?
CW: Diabetes, smoking, hypertension, obesity

AG: How do you feel the quality of care patients receive at NHS is compared to other places you’ve worked?
CW: I think it’s more complete and holistic.

AG: What health topics are you passionate about?
CW: Wellness, Smoking, Cardiology

AG: What are your hobbies?
CW: travelling with my kids

AG: What would your alternate career choice be?
CW: I did not think, when I was growing up, that I would be a nurse or teacher. In fact when asked I said I would be neither. Now I am a combination of both.

AG: What is your favorite food?
CW: A really good salad

AG: Where would you like to travel?
CW: I would like to go to Australia and Switzerland.

AG: Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
CW: Probably my parents. They lead by example, never strong-handed or overbearing. They just had a great balance of being kind and giving and respectable.

AG: What embarrassing stories have occurred in your time at NHS?
CW: I have gotten lost in my own office! I entered the behavioral health section and thought I was on the medical side.

AG: Do you have a message that you’d like to share with the community?
CW: This community is really no different than other communities where I have lived and worked. We share the same needs and concerns. I began my career here and hope to complete my career here.

Call for an appointment today! 816-232-6818
Chery’s Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-6:30pm

Look for more provider interviews to come!
Anna G.