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From the time I was five years old, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field. Specifically, I wanted to be a doctor. It was a dream that stuck with me through the years, guiding my academic choices. I pursued a biology major at Villa Julie (Stevenson University) with my sights set on medical school.

However, during my junior year of college in the early 2000s, I discovered an alternative, quicker path to practicing medicine that seemed equally fulfilling for me – the physician assistant (PA) profession. So, I enrolled in a PA program, graduated in 2007, and have been at GBMC ever since.

My initial plan was to work in the Emergency Department, but fate had other plans. During my second rotation at GBMC, I fell in love with Obstetrics. A permanent employment opportunity arose when someone resigned during my time as a student, and I seamlessly stepped into the role.

In 2014, I was promoted to oversee the 27-member advanced practitioner team for OB, including our nurse practitioners, PAs, and midwives. I love working in OB because it is almost having multiple jobs in one. In addition to my leadership duties, I am able to see patients in an outpatient capacity, while also handling OB-related emergencies, and supporting patients through their vaginal births or cesarean deliveries. This variety helps me maintain my clinical skills in multiples ways. I appreciate the excitement of OB – and witnessing the joy people experience on one of the best days of their lives. Conversely, it is also meaningful to help patients even during the worst of times, as they navigate complications.

Being part of a hospital known for its OB services brings a sense of pride. GBMC is well-known in the community for its maternal newborn care, winning awards and making a mark in the world of OB. I find joy in showing up for my team, ensuring their happiness, and fostering job satisfaction. I appreciate the community hospital environment at GBMC, where you can know people on a personal level, fostering a friendly and approachable atmosphere. It's a close-knit team with a family feel.

Working as a physician assistant has proven to be a great job with high demand, offering various opportunities and a good work/life balance, allowing me to fully enjoy time with my family, including my husband and two daughters, ages 11 and 14. Being a PA comes with perks, such as the flexibility to explore different specialty areas without the need for new credentialing or certifications. Our broad training makes us versatile in our approach to patient care.

Lindsay Klinefelter, MS, PA-C

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