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

About Ashley Lewiecki It was a high school anatomy class that led to Ashley Lewiecki, NP, choosing a career in medicine. “I made it a point to read and study anything I could get my hands on that had to do with medicine,” she says. Ashley graduated from Western Governor’s University, Salt Lake City, Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in nursing and a master’s degree on the Family Nurse Practitioner track. She chose the specialty of Physiatry (also called physical medicine and rehabilitation, PM&R) for the quality of care she can provide patients. Being with them every step of the way, from acutely ill to discharge home, allows Ashley to connect on a deeper level and develop a plan of care specifically tailored to each patient. “Human connection is a driving force in my practice of medicine,” she says. With a goal of practicing medicine by providing quality, individualized care, Ashley considers the unique needs of the patient and family by involving them in the care planning. As a provider, Ashley believes in asking for help when needed. “My philosophy has always been if you don’t know something ask for help and research, research, research,” she says. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My mom. She has taught me that hard work and perseverance always pays off. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was at Shoe Carnival. I remember liking the discounts. What is your favorite food? Movie? Ice cream and pizza, hands down. I do not really watch movies, so I don’t have a favorite. However, I am an avid reader and my all-time favorite book is Fire Fly Lane by Kristin Hannah. What was your best/worst subjects in school? My best subject in school was any of the sciences. My worst has always been and will always be spelling. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would have dinner with my family. I am happiest when I am with my husband and daughter, so they will always be my choice. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I enjoy learning about different cultures and languages. If I did not go into medicine, I would have pursued a career in international relations. I also enjoy learning more about nutrition and exercise. What are your hobbies, interests? I love to read. On average, I read two-three books a week. Do you have pets? I have two cats, Dahlia and Macy. What is something most people don’t know about you? I am vegan.

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.