As part of our celebration of National Doctors’ Day coming up later this month, Mercy Health is proud to recognize the talented, dedicated physicians who care for us. Our ministry also wants to express appreciation for advanced practice clinicians, who partner with physicians in a team-based approach to providing the best possible care to the people in our communities.
For Matthew Clingman, APRN-CNP at Mercy Health – Willard Primary Care, high-quality patient care is the heart of what working in health care is all about. Being able to help patients and families process information they may not understand is key to Matthew’s approach to care.
“At heart, I’m a teacher,” he shares. “So, I really enjoy teaching my patients the aspects of their disease and how to manage it.”
Matthew became a registered nurse in 2004 and began work with our ministry as a bedside nurse. He was in that role for 12 years, working in various departments including med-surg, post-surgical, intensive care unit, cardiac step-down and the emergency department. He was also a travel nurse for a year and a half when he decided to take a leap of faith.
“I was looking for something different and becoming a nurse practitioner was the most logical step,” he says. “I spoke with some physician mentors and they all agreed that I should pursue the next level.”
He credits his team and physician mentors for providing encouragement and knowledge during his transition to become a nurse practitioner.
“I really learn a lot from all of the providers with whom I’m blessed to work with. Among them being Dr. Jessica Yonley, Dr. Nancy Verhoff, Dr. Joshua Olewiler and Susan Kreb APRN-CNP.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way Matthew sees medicine, including virtual options that had never been done before. Telehealth has enabled patients to receive care over phone, video chat and online messaging – all options Matthew believes will better help patients access health care throughout the region.
Outside of work, Matthew keeps himself busy with his family and hobbies.
“I love music. I play multiple instruments, write songs and have a small recording studio at my house. I also serve as the praise and worship director at my church. So, if I’m not working, I’m usually playing music. I also love to watch my kids play sports.”
Help us celebrate National Doctors’ Day by sharing a heartfelt message of appreciation for your Mercy Health provider! Please visit mercy.com/doctorsday before March 30 to submit your message of thanks.
