Pippenger, Rachel, NP

Schedule Now at Beacon Medical Group Mishawaka Primary PlusAbout Jessica EvansFrom a young age, Jessica Evans, FNP, knew she wanted to help people and go in to health care. I want to make a difference in patients lives and their care, she says. I want to be a resource someone they can go to and trust.Jessica earned her undergraduate degree at University of Texas, Arlington, TX and masters degree at Maryville University, St. Louis, MO. She has worked as an urgent care nurse practitioner and a registered nurse in hospitals, clinics and surgery centers around the country.Patients have taught her the value of listening, she says, adding that listening is one of the best tools health care providers have.I am very evidence-based when it comes to practicing, Jessica says, wanting patients to understand her approach to medicine. I love educating people and teaching them how to care for themselves.In her own wordsWho is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?My grandma. She always worked so hard and pushed me to do my best and accomplish my goals and dreams.What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?I worked at a factory packing butter it was cold.What is your favorite food? Movie?Favorite food: pizza Favorite movie: TwisterWhat was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?Best was math and worst was science.In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?Health, fitness and family.What are your hobbies, interests?Running, spending time with my husband and two kids.

Thank you for selecting Beacon Medical Group Center for Family Practice for your medical care. We want you to get the most out of each visit with your physician. We encourage you to ask questions and share any health concerns that you may have. We are here for your health today and in the future. Caring for your health is an important task best trusted to a professional. As your physicians, we are trained in the latest state-of-the-art medical advances to provide outstanding care for you and your family. Our Medical Services Include • Well child and adult exams • Asthma care • Immunizations, including flu shots • Prenatal and OB Services • Diabetes care • Hypertension • Heart care • Bronchitis, Emphysema care and COPD • Help with weight management and obesity • Help to stop smoking • Family planning exams • Depression care • Skin procedures, dermatitis treatment • Joint injections • Ear ache treatment • Help for problems with prescription drugs • Drug screening for businesses/employers • Sports physicals for kids • Referrals to other physicians as needed • X-rays

About Dr. HandtkeVariety and relationships are what keep James A. Handtke, DO, engaged in his work. I love the long-standing relationships I get to build with my patients, he says. I thought it was so cool when a doctor I rotated with in medical school told me they had been with a patient for the last 15 or 20 years.Watching the sacrifices his dad made as a Family Practice physician, Dr. Handtke never thought he wanted to do that. He enjoyed high school classes like science, biology, human health and physiology, and thought he was headed toward being a surgeon. However, once he was in medical school, he realized he did not like being in the operating room and his interest in Family Medicine really kicked in.His undergraduate work was completed at Huntington University, Huntington, IN. He then earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Downers Grove, IL. Finally, he completed the Memorial Hospital Family Medicine Residency in South Bend.His approach to practicing medicine is to develop a partnership with patients. I love to offer advice and brainstorm ways to help people be their healthiest possible selves, he says. Each person is unique and their needs and priorities are different I love the challenge of individualizing peoples care.Dr. Handtke wants his patients to know he cares for them deeply. He doesnt see a patient number on a chart and he will always take an extra minute to hear what patients have to say and not rush them out the door. Im here to try my best to get them happy and healthy.In his own wordsWhat was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?I worked at a Christmas tree farm early in high school. I thought it was cool because I got to trim trees with a machete all day.What is your favorite food? Movie?Favorite foods: a really good al pastor taco Favorite movie: Avengers: Infinity War, but really any Marvel movie with Iron Man in it.What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?Best subject: any science classes Worst subject: physics was really hardIf you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?I would love to pick John Muirs brain. He is an ecologist/naturalist from the late 1800s who played a huge role in establishing our national parks.In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?Mountain biking and road biking are some of my favorite things. Beyond that, I love just about anything that gets me outside. If I have to be inside, I really like cooking and trying new foods.What is something most people dont know about you?I am a novice gardener and have almost no idea what Im doing, but really like it. Share tips with me!