It takes a special blend of passion, skill and courage to navigate the waters of health care. This balance may seem challenging for some, but it is where Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) truly shine.
There’s an “APP” for That
APPs consist of a group of medical professionals with advanced graduate level education and board certifications. This includes physician assistants (PA), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA), advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) and nurse practitioners (NP). These dedicated providers are an integral part of our health care team, working alongside clinical teams to evaluate, diagnose, treat and manage patients within their specialty.
At Atrium Health, we are fortunate to have Megan Daemmrich, an APP at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. Her gift for seeking out imaginative solutions significantly contributes to our heart transplant team's success.
Megan began as a surgical APP at Sanger, a role she embraced with a fervor that soon made her an indispensable part of the team.
"We have a number of APPs who work with us across Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute and they're all invaluable in their own way,” said Dr. Eric Skipper, surgical director for adult cardiac transplantation at Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. “Without them, we certainly wouldn't be able to do the complex cases that we do on a routine basis."
Megan’s drive to continually elevate her craft makes her an invaluable part of the Sanger team. But what truly sets Megan apart is her pioneering spirit.
A Heart for Healing
Megan’s professional journey led her to become one of the few APPs in the country credentialed to obtain organs for transplant. This accomplishment is a result of a meticulous process that spanned over a year and a half and is a testament to Megan's willingness to continually improve and take on new challenges.
“The process of credentialing for organ harvest, although seemingly straightforward, was laden with unique hurdles,” said Skipper. “Yet, in typical Atrium Health fashion, these challenges were met with determination and a collaborative effort. Megan's credentialing for virtual proctoring of organ harvest was a pioneering step, making her one of the first APP in the country to hold such a credential.”
Megan's ability to perform organ harvests has significantly impacted Sanger’s transplant team's efficiency. It saves time and resources, allowing surgeons to focus on their primary tasks without being pulled away for organ harvests. This operational efficiency is invaluable in a field where time is often of the essence.
“Beyond her professional achievements, Megan's collaborative spirit and genuine care for her patients and colleagues make her a cherished member of our community,” said Ashley McDaniel, director of advanced practice at Sanger. “Her story is a shining example of how individuals can push the boundaries of what's possible in their roles, contributing to the larger mission of enhancing patient care.”
As we celebrate the contributions of APPs at Atrium Health and across the nation, Megan's story is an outstanding example of what is achievable when skill meets perseverance. Her journey continues to inspire us all and serves as a reminder of the profound impact dedicated individuals can have on the lives of patients and the medical community.
