As a Family Medicine physician, Dr. Westmoreland cares for patients of all ages in NH+C’s Farmington Clinic. (Psst: She loves babies.)
Dr. Westmoreland answers six questions:
First job? I worked for the YMCA at the front desk, in South Carolina. I was 15. My first job in medicine was as an educator in the residency program where I got my training. I like learning, and teaching.
Free time? Travel. I enjoy seeing anything and everything. My most recent trip was to Colorado. My most exotic trip was to the Dominican Republic. It was incredible. I also love to eat, to read, to paint. And my daughters keep me very busy practicing the many sports they’re into.
Best part of your work? Celebrating health and helping people reach their goals. And being present for those moments of biggest change – to share in the success of your patients, and be there for the hard moments too.
Best advice? “Take your own pulse first.” My mentor during residency urged us, during the chaos of a busy ER, to take a moment to calm yourself so you can be calm for your patients.
Why healthcare? I have wanted to be a doctor since I was a little kid. When I was in middle school, my grandfather got sick. I got to see what his care looked like – including ground-breaking procedures. Seeing the medical care that changes people’s lives really inspired me. I wanted to partner with patients during the best and worst times of their lives. I wanted to diagnose, care for, and educate patients and their families.
If not healthcare, what would you be doing? Traveling. Or eating. I would eat my way around the world!
Appointments: 651-460-2300 (Evening appointments available.)