Stephanie Fischer, NP - Beacon Medical Group Interventional Radiology and Vascular Specialists

Laura received her bachelor's degree from Bethel College in Mishawaka and her master's degree from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis where she completed the pediatric nurse practitioner program. She has worked in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Memorial Children's Hospital since 2009. Laura is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.

About Michele Knuth It was after working in another field that Michele Knuth, FNP, decided on a career in medicine when she was 24 years old. “The work was unfulfilling and lacked true growth opportunities,” she says. Michele earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, Utah, and her Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner degree at Purdue Global University. She sees nurse practitioners as bringing heart and experience to their role, something she says is needed for excellent, patient-centered care. “I love the wide variety of cases and care that IR [interventional radiology] provides, everything from stroke to cancer care and everything in between. I cannot think of an area of the body or a specialty in the hospital that IR does not impact,” Michele says. Through her years of experience, Michele says she has realized the importance of slowing down and connecting with patients. When this happens, the overall experience is greatly improved. “I want people to know they are not another number, they are an individual, a human being, and If I have the ability (and I am the best option), I am going to provide them with the best care I possibly can,” Michele says, adding, “People first, patients second… not just another procedure, appointment or medical record number.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? A series of people were there at the right time to guide me in different seasons of my life. My grandmothers have always been very special to me, and family friends who encouraged me to pursue health care when I didn’t have the confidence for it on my own. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was working as a family assistant. I was part nanny/part grocery shopper/part party planner/part chauffeur. It was very eye opening for me as I was exposed to a lifestyle very different from my own. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite foods: I really love Mexican food…guacamole, tacos, pork carnitas, etc. Favorite movie: All the old 007 films, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Sabrina…anything with Audrey Hepburn. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? I loved government, psychology and history, and enjoyed German and Spanish and learning about other cultures. I hated geometry but loved algebra. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would love to sit down with Amelia Earhart and find out what actually happened to her. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am passionate about empowering women, helping them realize their goals and of course, my family. I am happily married with three daughters. What are your hobbies, interests? I love listening to health-centered and personal development podcasts. I also really love traveling and spending time with my family. Do you have pets? We have two dogs, a cat and a couple dozen chickens. What is something most people don’t know about you? I absolutely love to travel, if nursing didn’t work out my back up plan was to be a nomad.

About Kelsey Namisnak At a very young age, Kelsey Namisnak knew she wanted to be a nurse. Coming from a family of doctors, nurses, and people in medical sales, conversations at family gatherings around the field was normal. Now she will be assisting at pediatric surgeries, from the operating room to going on rounds at the hospital to check on surgery patients, and also seeing patients in the office. Kelsey’s entire career, since graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Goshen College, IN, has been in pediatrics at Beacon Health. “I couldn’t imagine leaving and working elsewhere,” she says. “Pediatrics has a special place in my heart. Add that to my interest in surgery and this job is the perfect fit.” People often ask her if it is hard to work in pediatric surgery, but Kelsey says the children are the reason she returns to work every day. “My patients are like family. I want to provide the same standard of care to them as I would expect for those closest to me.” Over the years, she has learned the importance of individualized care. “I truly care about my patients and their families. I want what is best for them and will make sure they get the best care possible.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My parents! I am who I am today because of them! What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I worked at Flavor Freeze, which is an ice cream shop in Elkhart, IN. What is your favorite food? What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Favorite food: Pizza; Best school subject: Anatomy; Worst school subject: Social studies / history If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My grandfather, who passed away while I was in high school. I would love to catch up with him on everything, have him meet my daughter, and talk about life. He would be so proud of me – he was my biggest fan. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? Continuing to grow and better myself as a person, spending time with my husband and daughter, traveling. What is something most people don’t know about you? I would have gone to school for marine biology if I wouldn’t have decided to pursue nursing.