Patient care is more than just treating symptoms; it’s about truly listening to and advocating for those in need. Sarah Feeler, a family nurse practitioner at HealthLinc in Valparaiso, understands this better than most. Her experiences highlight the power of compassionate care and how important it is for patients to be heard.
Since becoming a family nurse practitioner in 2022, Sarah has interacted with hundreds of patients, treating each one with respect and compassion. She understands that she is a bridge to quality health care, improved well-being and a better quality of life.
One moment that stands out involved a patient who had been experiencing persistent stomach pain. Despite repeated complaints to a previous provider, the patient’s concerns were dismissed. When the patient transferred to HealthLinc and into Sarah’s care, those symptoms were finally taken seriously.
“I listened to the patient’s concerns, and I knew something wasn’t right. They kept saying, ‘Something is wrong, I don’t feel good.’ So, I made sure the patient got the referral they had been asking for,” Feeler said.
She promptly referred him to a specialist. The diagnosis was dire — pancreatic cancer — but without her intervention, it might have gone undetected even longer.
Another patient came to her, uninsured, complaining of weight loss, swelling and jaundice. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Feeler advised the patient to seek immediate care. Being uninsured presented challenges. Feeler knew the patient needed a comprehensive workup, so she referred them to a nonprofit hospital where the necessary tests and care would be provided, despite the patient's lack of insurance. Her guidance led to a cancer diagnosis, and the patient finally got the help they needed.
These stories underscore the importance of health care professionals who take the time to listen, empathize and advocate for their patients. Many individuals, especially those without insurance, struggle to access necessary medical care. The role of a dedicated provider can be the difference between early detection and late-stage diagnosis.
“At the heart of it all, patient care begins with listening. Sometimes, all a patient needs is someone to truly hear them and take action,” Feeler said.
Beyond the clinical aspect, Feeler’s experiences reveal the frustrations many patients face — long travel times for treatment, financial barriers and systemic gaps in health care access. Community health centers are designed to overcome these challenges, making high-quality health care available to everyone.
Feeler’s commitment to her patients ensures they receive the best possible care and embodies what it means to be a compassionate health care provider.
Health care continues to be a “hot topic,” and changes to access, delivery and policy are inevitable. Professionals like Feeler remind us that at the heart of it all, patient care begins with listening.
