"Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity." ~Hippocrates
Jenna comes to our office with a rich history of experience in the medical field and her day-to-day life. Jenna grew up on a farm in Southeast Michigan, where family values were driven into her heart. She knew from a young age that she wanted to be a nurse one day to heal others.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She went to work as a Registered Nurse at Sparrow Hospital for 8 years. At Sparrow she worked bedside caring for patients in some of the toughest situations- the surgical intensive care unit and cardiac intensive care unit. It was her experience in the intensive care units that inspired her to go back to school for her Nurse Practitioner degree. Many of the patients she cared for went years without medical care prior to ending up in the intensive care units. Sometimes there were options and hope to heal them, but often it would lead to end of life care. She wanted to be in the role of prevention and healing from the start; helping patients to live a full and healthy life.
While working as a nurse in the intensive care units, she went back to school for her Doctorate of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from the University of Michigan- Flint, where she again graduated Summa Cum Laude. Jenna has 9 years of experience working in Internal Medicine, Urgent Care Medicine and Women's Health. She published a research article on "Antibiotic Stewardship - prevention of overuse of antibiotics in the primary care setting," upon graduation from her Doctoral degree.
Jenna's day-to-day life is filled with plenty of stories and interesting work outside of medicine. She lives on a farm with her husband and 2 sons, where plenty of long days and hard work are spent caring for livestock and being stewards of the land.
She and her family have dealt with a lot of personal health issues- many of which have required a great deal of both traditional and integrative medicines. This personalized health care approach has allowed them to live their lives to the fullest. Jenna lives with a hereditary connective tissue disorder that has given her a unique perspective on quality of life. It has taught her how to heal her own body by combining integrative medicine with traditional medicine. Her family has had to work through challenging dietary changes due to anaphylactic food allergies and celiac disease. They have learned to thrive with their dietary challenges, and make sure that they are eating a well-balanced diet full of nutrients to avoid specific deficiencies. Through her personal health and wellness, she has found that it is important to remember that every patient has their own personal journey, and no two experiences are alike.
Jenna's areas of interest in medicine are diverse. Jenna is fascinated by the body's own immune system, the integral role that the gut plays in our overall health, and women's health. She believes hormones play a fundamental role in a woman's body, specifically on bone, muscle, connective tissue, mental and emotional health. Jenna brings a holistic approach to the medical care she provides her patients. She is passionate about finding the root cause of health issues, rather than treating symptoms. Jenna will be working closely with Dr. Pawsat as she trains in Functional Medicine.
Jenna's Professional and Volunteer Associations:
Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
North American Menopause Society
NP/PA/DO/MD Preceptor
Ingham County Fair Board Member
Sandhill (Ingham County) Club 4-H Sewing Leader
