Margaret Libbey, PA-C - Beacon Medical Group Oncology South Bend

About Margaret Libbey Compassion is one of the most important lessons Margaret (Maggie) Libbey, PA-C, says she learned on the path to becoming a provider for women’s health care needs. “Often times having someone to listen, to talk to, and to know they care is the best medicine you can give,” she says. Always fascinated by the sciences, the decision to pursue medicine was made when Maggie was a senior in high school. Being a physician assistant allows her to combine her love of science with her passion for helping others. The team she works with develops the best care plan for each patient. “I am dedicated to providing quality care to patients within my community by increasing access to available health care,” she says. Maggie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from Emory and Henry College, Marion, VA. She has experience working at hospitals, medical centers, and obstetrics-gynecology offices. The topic of women’s health was always of interest to her and being raised by a strong, independent mother made her aware of the importance of women being supported. During clinical rotations, it became evident that the area of gynecological oncology would be a great way to bring together all those things Maggie was passionate about. From her patients, Maggie has learned that practicing medicine is about treating the person, not the disease. They also help her gain understanding about herself and the type of provider she wanted to be, which is to be patient, caring and compassionate, she says. Maggie hopes she reflects this back to those she cares for. “I hope my patients have learned from me that they will always have someone in their corner. Someone to listen, to care, and to be there every step of the way,” she says. 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 Nana. She is one of the strongest people I know. She is my biggest cheerleader and role model. I would not be where I am today without her. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was a lifeguard at Twyckenham Hills Community Pool. I remember getting excited to go back every summer and watch the community come together and bond over something we all enjoyed so much. This is still true there today! What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite food: popcorn Favorite movie: The Greatest Showman What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subjects growing up in school were science and English. My worst subjects were math and history. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? If I could sit down to dinner with one person, it would be my grandfather. He passed away unexpectedly while I was away at PA school and I would love to tell him I made it. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? In addition to medicine, I am passionate about my community. This is where I grew up and it’s the place that has made me who I am today; I want nothing more than to be able to give back to it. What are your hobbies, interests? I enjoy reading, baking, and taking my dog on walks through the woods. Do you have pets? I have a rescue pup named Russell! What is something most people don’t know about you? My favorite genre of music is country!

About Nicole Rogers Growing up, Nicole Rogers, PA, loved science classes. “When I took anatomy in high school, I knew immediately that I wanted a job that merged science with healthcare,” she says. Nicole graduated from Michigan State University - East Lansing, Michigan, with her Bachelor of Science in psychology. Her Master of Science in Medicine, Physician Assistant Studies was earned at Western Michigan University- Kalamazoo, Michigan. Nicole’s career has taken her to Michigan and Kansas where she has worked as a surgical technologist, collaborating with team members in operating rooms and assisting in surgeries with instruments and supplies. “I was trained to practice medicine. As a medical provider I am able to take medical histories, conduct physical exams, order diagnostic tests, and treat all patients,” she says. “As a PA I work alongside other healthcare professionals to help improve access to care.” Her decision to pursue this specialty came from an interest in women’s health and surgery. “I worked as a surgical tech for seven years before PA school,” Nicole says. “I was interested in a specialty that allowed me to combine both of these skill sets.” After the birth of her nephew, Nicole was impressed with the care provided her sister at Beacon. “I also knew immediately after interviewing with the GYN/ONC team that I wanted to work here. Everyone was extremely kind, humble, and intelligent,” she says. “Interactions were genuine and compassionate, and I could see the difference they were making in these patients lives. I am very excited to be a part of that.” When Nicole provides care to a patient, she feels it is important to look at the whole picture of their health in order to provide the best care. She wants her patients to know how important their wellbeing is to her. “I strive to provide the best education for my patients and let them know that they are in charge of their body and their health,” Nicole says, adding, “I want my patients to feel seen and heard and I hope they leave knowing they were provided with the best care.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My parents. They have been so supportive and provided so much guidance over the years. I am very thankful to have them. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I worked as a waitress and loved it. I love fast-paced environments and getting to talk to so many different people. It also helped me learn to prioritize and multitask. What is your favorite food? Movie? Nachos, hands down. I love all the Harry Potter movies and Avatar. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subjects were always reading/writing and the worst subject was math. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would love to have one more dinner with my Grandpa Jerry. He died when I was a teenager, but we were very close. He taught me to read and was my biggest supporter. I would love to be able to talk with him more now that I am an adult. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? Family, animals, Michigan State football/basketball What are your hobbies, interests? I love to sew. I make scrub caps and have an Etsy shop where I sell them to people all over the country. I also enjoy exercising, cooking and being outdoors with my dog! Do you have pets? I have a golden retriever named Breslin. I also have two cats, Hazel and Cora. They are all the sweetest companions and I adore them all. What is something most people don’t know about you? I have lived in seven states and have never broken a bone