Area nurse says it's more than a job - it's a labor of love

CHILLICOTHE – Serving as a nurse practitioner in the Greenfield area has been a godsend, literally speaking, for Michele Dodds, who has worked in that capacity for more than a decade.
 
“I have always loved caring for people, but I felt the Lord wanted me to do more, which is why I became a nurse practitioner in 2001.”
 
As for choosing Greenfield to apply her nurse practitioner skills, “This is where I have been called to be,” she said with a smile.
 
Along with a wonderful place to raise a family, she said, “I have the honor of taking care of neighbors, friends and people throughout the community who I also consider to be my family.”
 
In January, she joined Adena Family Medicine – Greenfield, along with Dr. Richard Mizer, Dr. Christina DeLand and Nurse Practitioner Debra Wolf. The four of them worked together at another health center in Greenfield before becoming part of Adena.
 
“I joined the Adena Health System with the goal of improving patient care and increasing preventive services to patients.”
 
“I also feel Adena is moving in the right direction with the introduction of the Patient-Centered Medical Home model. These changes will benefit patients in our community and I want to be part of that,” Dodds said.
 
The nurse practitioner, who is known as an infectiously compassionate health professional by patients and colleagues, said she believes in change that improves the health of people and communities.
 
Being a nurse practitioner, she said, has provided her with the ability to make a difference in the lives of many. But when she was studying to become a nurse practitioner, very few were pursuing this special career, especially in this region, she said.
 
She became acquainted with Dr. Mizer in 2000 while she was completing her clinical rotations, part of her nursing practitioner training. 
 
“He supported my academic efforts by teaching me and then offering me a position with the office. I was ecstatic because even as a student I felt right at home here and knew right away that I had a great mentor, which he still is.”
 
As a health care provider, she cares for patients of all ages, “from newborn to elderly.”
 
“I enjoy taking care of newborn and pediatric patients making sure they get the preventive care that they need to stay healthy. I also provide routine gynecologic care for women of all ages as well.”
 
She also assesses diagnoses and manages acute and chronic complex conditions. 
 
“I especially like the challenge of complex conditions and hope my efforts improve patients’ quality of life while helping make them and our community healthier.”
 
Dodds said she has found both an incredibly satisfying purpose in life and a community she loves in the Greenfield area. Her husband, Chris, teaches at the McClain High School where their children – Shelby, 14, and Courtney, 10, attend school.