If you have ever wondered about the role advanced practice providers (APPs) play in healthcare delivery, physician assistant Marlo Miller has a ready answer.
“We are part of a care team,” she explained. “We help physicians expand access, which means patients can be seen sooner. This approach leads to improved outcomes, translating to a better quality of life for the patient, fewer hospitalizations and decreased costs all around.”
The Westside Gastroenterology Consultants team member is passionate about the collaborative role of APPs at Hendricks Regional Health.
“We work in tandem with doctors, and this partnership can make a real difference to the people we serve,” said Marlo. “That’s why the APP committee and our work to make process improvements and bring more focused education to our group is so important to me.
Collaboration is a Hendricks value, and according to Marlo, it’s on full display within the WGI team and is one of the reasons she appreciates working where she does.
“I am grateful for the support I have from my colleagues,” said Marlo. “We are all willing to step up and help each other without hesitation. Our GI staff are just as friendly and supportive, which makes our days go more smoothly and enjoyable.”
Like it does for everyone, life sometimes gives Marlo lemons. How does she handle them? She works out. Marlo vows that moving her body and physically ridding herself of stress is her key to success.
Given that information, it won’t surprise you to learn that Marlo applied her entrepreneurial spirit to opening Pure Barre Avon. It’s her way of encouraging a healthier community in a different way from her day job, and she thrives in this encouraging environment.
Additionally, Marlo loves to hike, bike and play golf. She also paints and plays video games in her free time. The background music for these activities is usually from Pink, which is what Marlo grew up listening to because the songs resonate.
Speaking of listening, her patients have taught Marlo to be better in this area.
“Patients just want you to be real with them,” shared Marlo. “They want you to be someone that they can relate to, and they want someone to listen. These lessons have helped me not only in the office but also at home.”
Fort Wayne, Indiana, natives Marlo and her husband, Brian, try to visit their family and friends there as often as they can. But if Marlo could snap her fingers and go anywhere, it would be Durango, Colorado, because it’s beautiful, sunny 300 days of the year, peaceful, and offers plenty of hiking opportunities.
