Paula J. Thielen-Kocharov, MD

Paula Thielen-Kocharov, MD, loves building relationships with her patients, but she knows it doesn't happen overnight.

"A patient-provider relationship really takes time," she said. "You have to get to know each other, and sometimes you can't do that in one visit. I find that developing relationships as we see each other year after year is really important and helps me to better guide people."

Dr. Thielen-Kocharov specializes in family medicine at Methodist Physicians Clinic. She has a passion for women's health, including preventive health, contraception and cancer screenings.

"I also have a special place in my heart for perinatal mental health and mood disorders like postpartum depression and anxiety," she said. "I find a lot of satisfaction in helping women through those things."

Dr. Thielen-Kocharov is proud to be part of a health system known for its compassionate, personalized care  a philosophy that aligns with her own.

"It's about treating people with respect, not like a number," she said. "To me, little moments add up. I might start out seeing someone for their college physical. When they get married, I start seeing their husband. Then they have that first baby and they come in as a family. Those little moments where I get to watch families grow and be a part of that ñ that's been the most rewarding for me."

Outside of work, "Being a mom is my favorite thing," Dr. Thielen-Kocharov said. She also loves theater and has season tickets to each Broadway show that comes to Omaha.