Pictured from left: Dara Wright, Hillary Kersten, Todd Smith, and
Rachelle Sims.
Heartland Health Care Clinic, in Abilene, is proud of the Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who provide outstanding care to patients every day. APPs are important to physicians, because they allow a physician to extend their practice in order to care for the large number of patients who need to be seen. APPs at Heartland Health Care Clinic are supervised by physicians. When they provide care for patients, the patient’s physician is informed about what took place during the visit. Physicians are able to stay connected to their patient through the APP who provided care for that patient.
Hillary Kersten
Hillary (Wilson) Kersten is a board certified Physician Assistant who works closely and collaborates with Dr. Megan Brown.
Hillary received her Bachelor of Science degree in Clinical Laboratory Science from Kansas State University, and Master of Physician Assistant from Wichita State University.
“I truly enjoy caring for individuals and families in the rural health setting, and taking care of the people in the community I grew up in.” Hillary said.
Hillary was born and raised in Abilene, Kansas. She is married to her husband, Chris, and they have an 18 month old son, Griffey. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Dara Wright
Dara Wright earned a Bachelors in Education at Kansas Wesleyan University, Associate Degree in Nursing at Cloud County Community College, and her Masters Family Nurse Practitioner at Samford University.
“Primary Care is essential, especially in rural areas, as it is often the only source of health care for many people,” Dara said. “I love working at Heartland as it gives me an opportunity to care for the people in the community I grew up in, and give them more access to healthcare.”
Dara was born and raised in Abilene, graduated from Abilene High School, she has been married to Alex for six years and has a stepson, Zach (10), and two daughters, Harper (5) and Reagan (1.5). In her spare time she likes to read, travel, cheer on the KSU Wildcats, KC Royals, and Dallas Cowboys.
Rachelle Sims
Rachelle Sims, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), earned her undergraduate nursing degree at Fort Hays State University and her Doctor of Nurse Practice from Wichita State University.
“Primary care impacts the whole community, and I enjoy working with all ages,” Rachelle said. “Each day I serve the community treating both acute and chronic illnesses, and I want people to have a positive experience when coming to the doctor.”
Rachelle grew up in Dickinson County. She graduated from Chapman High School. Rachelle has been married to Kyle for six years. They have two kiddos, Kanton (4), Kyla (2), and baby number 3 to arrive in June.
Todd Smith
Todd Smith, APRN, received his Associate Degree in Nursing from Cloud County Community College, Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Kansas Wesleyan University, and Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Wichita State University.
When asked, what do you like most about working in health care? Smith said, “I enjoy providing quality patient care, and taking the extra steps needed to provide education to patients.”
Smith was born and raised in Concordia, and lives in Salina. He and his wife, Dana, have four sons. When he isn’t working, he enjoys remodeling homes and spending time with his grandkids.
Heartland Health Care Clinic would like to thank all their Advanced Practice Providers for their dedication to providing quality health care services to the community.