HJNO Mar/Apr 2019

Q&A 30 MAR / APR 2019 I  Healthcare Journal of NEW ORLEANS   under the care of physicians. When patients consider their options in choosing an NP as their primary care provider, we hope they consider these things. How much of your time and energy do you think you’ll be devoting to AANP while balancing the care you provide to your patients in Louisiana? As AANP President, I will devote a large amount of time to carrying out my duties. I do not take the responsibilities associated with this position lightly. The president must always be available for media opportunities, as well as meetings with healthcare stake- holders, including professional organiza- tions, regulatory bodies, and policy mak- ers. Lots of travel will be included, and I will attend meetings in the evenings as well as on weekends. With that being said, I truly love my patients, and plan to be in clinic at Daughters of Charity Health Cen- ters as much as possible. The administra- tors at Daughters of Charity Health Centers understand the importance of my duties as AANPPresident and are working with me to assure that my patients are well cared-for in my absence. We have excellent providers, all dedicated to top-notch evidence-based care, and on days when I am called to ful- fill my presidential duties, my patients will be cared for. What do you see as the role of nurse practitioners in the future healthcare sys- tem, whatever that may be ? Providing high-quality healthcare for all by expanding patient choice. As our nation faces the future challenges of an aging population, rising healthcare costs, and the growing burden of chronic disease, NPs will bring new strength to the healthcare work- force and maximize our available potential to address these challenges. That will be our role frommy perspective, and it’s one we’re proud to be a part of. n “The president must always be available for media opportunities, as well as meetings with healthcare stakeholders, including professional organizations, regulatory bodies, and policy makers.”