Stephanie R. Downey, APRN

As part of the cardiothoracic surgery team at Methodist Physicians Clinic, Stephanie Downey, MSN, APRN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, sees people during some of their most difficult moments. More than ever, she said, that's when they need to experience The Meaning of Care.

"It means getting patients and their families through some of the scariest and most overwhelming days of their lives with compassion, expertise and understanding so we can get them back to living a full, meaningful, active life," she said. "Being in the hospital is stressful enough. I hope to take some of that burden off of you and your family so you can recover and heal."

Downey knew she wanted to be a nurse even as a little girl. She said she's always had a desire to care for others. Working in a cardiac ICU during nursing school cemented her path in medicine.

"It only took one day there, and I was hooked," she said. "The heart and all of its intricacies are fascinating to me."

Now she's committed to giving her patients the full spectrum of care, combining cutting-edge medicine with relationships built on communication and trust.

"The most rewarding aspect of my job is when I see a patient come back after discharge and I don't even recognize them because they look so much healthier than when I saw them in the hospital," she said.

Outside of work, Downey enjoys running, cooking, traveling and spending time with her family.