Pippenger, Rachel, NP

About Sharlotte Sharlotte Brown knows there is always more to learn from others. This doesn’t just apply to medicine, but to life’s relationships, as well. She says her patients have taught her an important lesson: “Listening is more powerful than anything I can do for people sometimes.” With a strong background in science and medical research, several degrees, and work experience in hospital and family medicine settings, Sharlotte is well prepared to treat patients as a Nurse Practitioner. She manages chronic/acute illness in a primary care setting collaboratively with physicians, working with all ages, across all lifespans. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from the University of Michigan, Sharlotte worked in research. Eventually deciding she wanted to work more directly with people, she went back to school, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University South Bend. From there, she went to work at Memorial Hospital of South Bend in the childbirth unit/special care obstetrics. Still wanting to learn and do more, Sharlotte eventually returned to IU South Bend for her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree. Her philosophy as a provider is simple: “I am here to support you and help you live your best/healthiest life.” Seeing herself as always a nurse first, Sharlotte says she wants patient input in creating a care plan, adding that this only works if everyone is on the same page. She says that patients should know that she is on their side and has their best interest in mind. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My mother, who is always herself, is resourceful, strong, caring and funny. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I was a babysitter from ages 11-18. That was when I found I loved getting to know families. What is your favorite food? I love pasta, coffee and chocolate. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subjects were science and math. My worst, and least, favorite was history. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My father. He passed before I was born. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I love music and my family. What are your hobbies, interests? Do you have pets? Crochet, travel, cooking/baking, playing trivia and family. I have two cats. What is something most people don’t know about you? I am a middle child. I also love art/painting.

About Bethany Metz With a lifelong passion to care for and heal people through medicine, Bethany Metz, NP, and initially imagined a career as a doctor. Her medical training began in nursing and then she went on to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. “Throughout my nursing career, I realized I could do so much for my patients, yet I also recognized the limitations of my role as an RN—particularly that prescribing medication was outside my scope of practice,” she says. Bethany earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University, Athens, OH, and her Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner from Goshen College, Goshen, IN. Inspired by her mother’s side of the family, which was a Christian family filled with medical professionals, Bethany followed their example of health care and service. “Their dedication extended from physically living and providing care in Haiti, participating in mission trips, to addressing healthcare disparities right here in the U.S.,” she says. Viewing family practice as the backbone of health care, Bethany wants to be the provider who listens, takes time to understand and walk alongside a patient on their journey. “[Nurse practitioners] have the privilege not only of seeing patients as whole, unique individuals but also of making a meaningful impact on those who often slip through the cracks of the system,” she says. To her patients, Bethany promises to always show up with curiosity, compassion and a relentless drive to do what’s best for those she serves. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My grandmother was the most influential person in my life. I felt like I always had a lot more to learn, never enough time, and I felt her passion to live a godly life and love others. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was as a lifeguard, and I absolutely loved it. The fun, the water, the trust people had in me—it felt amazing to be seen as a protector and even have the chance to save lives. That job sparked something in me that still drives me today. What is your favorite food? Movie? I love pizza, and comedy, drama and medical shows. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My worst subjects in school were things related to government. I did well in math and enjoyed science. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would cry at the opportunity to sit at dinner with my maternal grandparents – to see them again, catch up on what they have been watching from heaven and take notes of advice moving forward. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am passionate about being a mother and a wife. What are your hobbies, interests? I love soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring new places and spending quality time with my kids and family. Kayaking, camping and outdoor adventures keep me energized and happy. Do you have pets? I have a German Shepherd named Luna. What is something most people don’t know about you? I have jumped out of a perfectly flying airplane, pet a tiger and am the first in my family to graduate from high school with my class, and the only one to go to college.