Vurlicer Kira MD Phys

Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be in the medical profession. I worked as a nurse for seven years and realized I wanted to contribute more to the art of nursing and the medical profession. With the encouragement and support from my husband, I became an adult nurse practitioner. My philosophy of care can be likened unto a lighthouse and a tugboat. First and foremost, I like to portray myself as the lighthouse, one that can warn others of dangers. I like to focus on preventive care just as the lighthouse alerts passengers of the sea of possible dangers or threats. On the other hand, I often have to be the tugboat, assisting others after theyve encounter dangers (sickness, diseases, disorders). I aim to be there to help in their time of need, sickness or distress. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our children kayaking the White Oak River. I also enjoy scrapbooking and crafting.

I chose to become a nurse practitioner after working with patients who did not have a primary care provider and had to seek treatment in the emergency department for all their medical care. The need for rural providers was great. I enjoy getting to know my patients and watching them improve with proper medications and healthy lifestyle changes. I enjoy taking care of most illnesses, but cardiology is my favorite. I have an interest in preventing heart disease with proper care of blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. I love spending time with family, especially my grandson, spending time with friends, and going to see live music when possible.

I witnessed a medical emergency with a family member when I was a young teenager. I felt helpless not knowing what to do. Because of this particular event, I learned emergency care as an emergency medical technician (EMT), and later as a paramedic. The jump to later become a physician assistant seemed like a natural fit. I can continue to assist patients, just on a different level. I involve my patients in their care and all decisions related to their care. I believe our plans are more successful when we work together. My clinical interests include office procedures, acute illnesses and injuries, as well as chronic health concerns. When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time with family, watching the Chicago Cubs try to play baseball, and working around the house.