Esther Adu, NP - Beacon Medical Group Advanced Cardiology Specialists South Bend

About Laura Kanyimbo When asked what she likes about her job caring for cardiology patients, Laura Kanyimbo, a Doctor of Nursing Practice answers easily: “I love caring for the sick to get them better, but I equally love to educate people so that they don’t get sick,” she says. Through her professional education, Laura has learned that an educated mind is a powerful weapon. Since her family is primarily employed in education, teaching people is part of her. “I suppose education is intrinsically within me after all, as I do a great deal of educating in my profession, and I love it!” she says. Her interest in medicine began with sciences in grade school. By high school, biology was her favorite subject, came easily and she began considering a career in medicine. Then, a personal experience solidified Laura’s decision. “One summer day I was violently ill and admitted to Memorial Hospital for immediate blood transfusions and other tests. I witnessed firsthand how the nurses and doctors worked urgently to save my life,” she says, adding, “I was overwhelmed with the care I got, and thought I could do the same for someone else someday.” Laura’s sister, an internal medicine doctor, also influenced her direction. She went to Indiana University South Bend for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and then earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN. “I’ve always had an interest in the cardiovascular system and how the heart works. I’m excited for a chance to learn and potentially affect my patients’ lives positively,” she says. “I take care of people during their most vulnerable times and nurse them to health.” In treating patients, Laura believes patients should be equal participants in their care plans and health management. She says this helps to prevent noncompliance and ultimately, negative health outcomes. Patients have taught her a great deal of patience and empathy. From her, Laura hopes they know that she truly wants them to live healthier and happier lives, because she believes health is wealth! Laura’s philosophy as a provider is, “Do eat everything in moderation, Do take medicine for your condition, and Do exercise regularly!” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? The most influential person in my life is my mother. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was working at Burger King. I remember working the drive thru, making Whoppers, and taking orders from customers. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite food: fruits (bananas, oranges, grapes, watermelon). Favorite movie: The Sound of Music What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My favorite subject was biology, music was arguably my worst. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would love a chance to dine with my father. He died when I was only six years old. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? Interestingly, my other passion is agriculture. I enjoy growing and cultivating food crops. What are your hobbies, interests? I love jogging, gardening, and reading medical journals. What is something most people don’t know about you? Most people don’t know that I live a very low-profile life.

About Nicole Wheeler A naturally caring person with a desire to help others in need, a career in medicine was an easy choice for Nicole Wheeler, AGACNP. “During a biology science class in middle school, we had the opportunity to dissect a cow eyeball,” she says, adding that she was curious about the anatomy and function of this organ. “[With] the combination of a passion for caring for others, and a love for learning anatomy and physiology, going into a career in medicine felt like a great fit.” As an Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Nicole has experience caring for seniors in long-term care/short-term rehabilitation and inpatient adult cardiac care nursing in the hospital setting. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Nicole earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Michigan. In her role, Nicole describes what she does as developing trusting and respectful relationships with people. Nursing experience in cardiac health and a love for how the heart is essential to the function of every system in the body, led her to this specialty. “While cardiac health is a specialized area of medicine, I also have the opportunity to learn and balance other body systems such as lungs and kidneys as I work to optimize heart health and maintain quality of life for each patient,” she says. A philosophy she follows is to provide holistic health care with realistic and attainable goals for each patient, all while helping them maintain a positive quality of life. Patients have taught her to take time to listen and to admit if she doesn’t have the answers, and then go one step further by collaborating with colleagues or referring a patient to a specialist to get those answers. “I hope that patients come away from receiving care feeling that I as a healthcare provider provided a holistic approach to their health,” she says. “I hope patients feel that they are genuinely cared for and have or continue to build trust with me as their provider.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? The most influential role model in my life is my long-time mentor and retired nurse, Mim. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was working as a waitress in a small restaurant. I learned quickly about hard work and teamwork with others; additionally, I began understanding the concept of customer service. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite food is anything Mexican! Favorite movies are Sweet Home Alabama and/or The Holiday What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My favorite subject was reading/English. My worst subjects (and still are) would be math and art. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would like to sit down and have dinner with Florence Nightingale or May Angelou. Their commitment to caring for others is inspiring, but also I would love to hear stories of their lives and caring of others. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am passionate about my faith in Jesus, my family, music, learning to cook/bake. What are your hobbies, interests? Reading, music, playing piano, camping, time with family and friends. Do you have pets? I have three dogs: Dexter (mini Goldendoodle), Cooper (mini Bernedoodle), and Max (Aussiedoodle). What is something most people don’t know about you? I was adopted at birth and recently adopted our son from an orphanage in Bulgaria.

About Andriana Benge At age seven, Andriana Benge, NP, already had a career in medicine in mind. “I remember sitting in the doctor’s office telling the nurse that when she had her baby, I wanted to take over for her,” she says. “Ever since then I knew nursing was the right step for me.” When she became a nurse, Andriana knew she wanted to do more for her patients and help them in their whole medical journey and not just a part of it. That was when she decided to go back to school and further her career. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Indiana University South Bend, Indiana; and her Master of Science in Nursing at Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY. Andriana has experience in cardiac step-down, stress lab, and as an onsite occupational health registered nurse. As a Nurse Practitioner specializing in cardiology, Andriana helps heart patients manage medications, symptoms and educates them on how to care for themselves. “[A] patient’s understanding of their disease and plan of care is what is most important to me,” she says, adding, “It is important that patients feel involved and are involved with their care.” Through her experiences she has learned that everyone is different and should be treated as such. “The more the patient trusts you the more honest and open they will be with you,” Andriana says. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My mother. She was able to be a great mom and work and then go back later in life to get her master’s degree because she desired more. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I babysat and worked for a company called Forte Residential. I worked with kids who had autism become more independent, completing tasks within their own home. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite food: anything sweet! As for meals I enjoy pasta, I am not picky and always looking for new recipes. I do not have a favorite movie. I enjoy Rom-Coms, true crime, comedy and action movies. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best subject gym…and science. Worst subject was physics. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?Dolly Parton. I love her music, but all the work she does to help the community is amazing. She is always doing surprising things from writing books and giving away books with Imagination Library, to donating money and starting donation funds for problems within our country. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? My family. They are my everything and love to spend time with them. What are your hobbies, interests? I enjoy coaching softball and reading. I enjoy sitting outside with a cup of coffee and a good book. I also enjoy cooking and baking. Do you have pets? I have two dogs, Daisy and Macklin, as well as a cat named Sky. What is something most people don’t know about you? One thing that most people do not know about me is that I grew up on a farm and miss it dearly.