Michelle A. Cutler, DNP, APRN

I tend to do collaborative care with my patients. I want their input, and I want to know what their desires are when we're formulating plans together. I don't dictate what I think they should do. Patients tell me that I'm a good listener. I listen to patients’ stories and take the time that's needed to get to the bottom of things.
I started my nursing career in oncology, and then in the emergency room. However, I was often seeing patients when bad things had already happened to them. This is what led me to primary care. I had the desire to meet people earlier on in their trajectory and to help keep them in good health.
It’s very rewarding taking care of families. I love that I get to see moms and dads and kids and grandparents over the years and to know them on a personal level. That's really rewarding for me, to develop those relationships and instill that trust. A successful outcome is when a patient is able to do the things that make them happy, when they can maintain their activities, and have a good quality of life.