Pam Prisaznik, C.R.N.P.

Pediatric Pulmonology Nurse Practitioner

What is your philosophy of medicine or in treating or helping patients?

One of my philosophies is that everyone needs to be treated with respect.

What is the most enjoyable part of your day with patients?

When something I have said or done with a family seems to have made a difference - either a medication that was ordered or suggestions for caring for their child, which led to improvement.

Do you have any relatives who are or were in a medical or helping profession, and did they influence your career choice?

My mother is a retired respiratory therapist. My mother entered the respiratory care field about the same time I expressed an interest in nursing.

Have you ever done any volunteer work that used your professional skills?

I was a volunteer and member of the board of directors for the Arthritis Foundation, Eastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley Chapter. My specific interest is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Allentown, PA

What do you do in your spare time?

I spend most of my spare time doing family activities. I try to maintain a balance between career and two very active children and husband.

How has being a nurse practitioner been different from being a nurse?

I have been given the opportunity to make decisions independently and carry them out. I believe nurses are very capable of high level critical thinking - having the nurse practitioner license allows you the ability to follow through with many of those ideas.

For a patient, how is a visit with at Nurse Practitioner different from a visit with a doctor?

I have always worked with physicians that took the time to hear the patient. I like to think that as a nurse practitioner I listen well and also look at the whole picture, not just the "diagnosis". Much of the time, families have concerns that extend beyond the obvious medical problem.