Mara B. Krumrey, APRN

Mara Krumrey, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, "fell in love" with medicine in high school, where she began studying anatomy and physiology, spent time working in a cadaver lab, and became a certified nursing assistant.

Although the nurse practitioner has had roles in various specialties since then, she said that cardiology is truly where her heart is, and she's dedicated to educating patients about theirs. In fact, Krumrey's favorite career moment involves a heart attack patient who was overcome with fear and anxiety after a lifesaving stenting procedure.

"I was able to sit down with him and educate him about his risk factors, new medications and lifestyle changes," she said. "Although the patient was still very nervous, I could tell that going over this education in detail gave him some relief."

According to Krumrey, who treats patients at Methodist Physicians Clinic, quality health care is a right. And that's what she strives to give each of her patients daily, using The Meaning of Care as her compass.

"It means addressing all aspects of a patient's health – physical, mental, emotional, financial, social and intellectual ñ to create the best, most comprehensive care plan possible."

Outside of work, Krumrey and her husband enjoy gardening, deer hunting and keeping up with their German shorthaired pointers on their Iowa acreage. Despite spending most of her free time outdoors, Krumrey is also a self-proclaimed "crime junky," who relishes true crime podcasts and shows.