Sometimes it takes traveling to other, less developed regions of the world to see how good life and medicine is in the United States.
During the past year Jennifer Stanton has traveled to far corners of the world providing healthcare to people who might otherwise not receive it.
“You learn to appreciate what you have,” Jennifer said. “I also learned I have so much, and there is so much I can live without. Life in those countries is simple but the people are happy.”
A physician’s assistant, Jennifer is the newest healthcare provider at Family Practice of Newport located on Prouty Drive on the campus of North Country Hospital in Newport. She joins Drs. James Holcomb, John Lippmann, Rachel DiSanto, and nurse practitioner Linda Chasse.
“It’s awesome here,’ Jennifer said. “I love it here.”
A native of Grand Island, Nebraska, and first generation college graduate in her family, Jennifer holds two bachelors’ degrees, one in biology from Wayne State College in Nebraska, and another in medical technology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She worked as a certified medical technologist in a laboratory before going on to earn her master’s degree as a physician assistant at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Fewer medical professionals are pursuing careers in family medicine, instead choosing to gear their education toward the more lucrative medical specialties. Jennifer said the concept of family medicine has always appealed to her. Family practice allows her to really get to know her patients. It’s a relationship that allows her to provide quality care for her patients, patients who range from newborns to the elderly.
“We treat the whole person,” she said. Not only do medical professionals who practice family medicine treat illnesses and injuries, they also promote wellness in their patients. As a physician assistant, which is also called a mid-level provider, she performs many of the same duties as that of a doctor. She works under the supervision of a doctor, and always has support if a complex situation arises.
Before coming to North Country in July Jennifer used her education and training serving in underdeveloped countries including Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Guam, and Siapan.
“The people are so grateful,” Jennifer said. “When you sewed up their child’s cut they’d bring you a pound of beans they had and shucked from their field.”
Having grown up in a largely rural state Jennifer said she knew she didn’t want to practice in an urban area. “I wanted to practice in rural America and I wanted to work in family medicine.” Her dream came true when she and her cocker spaniel, Grace, arrived in Vermont in July. She noted that her colleagues and the community residents she has met in her travels have been friendly and welcoming.