Jennifer Anderson, CNM

Midwife/Obstetrics & Gynecology

Clinical Interests: Nutrition science, substance use disorders

What inspired you to become an advanced practice practitioner?

My experiences as a patient inspired me to pursue a career as an advance practice nurse. When I was a young undergraduate at Sarah Lawrence College, the nurse practitioner who worked at Health Services was incredible. From treating strep throat to pre-cancerous skin lesions, she was so capable and kind. She showed me what kind of positive impact a healthcare provider can have on a person, not just by treating illness, but by engaging someone in a meaningful way.

Why did you choose your area of care?

I was drawn to being a nurse-midwife, because, at its core, midwifery is about acknowledging and empowering women, at all stages in life, not just in pregnancy and childbirth. For me, midwifery is a perfect blend of science and biology, which I’ve always been interested in, while continuing in the timeless tradition of women helping women in childbirth and beyond.

Was there a particular moment when being an advanced practice practitioner became ‘more than medicine’ for you?

I chose to become a nurse-midwife because I always felt that this career was something more than medicine.  But there are so many instances that I can recall that reaffirm for me why I chose this path. Whether it is a casual run-in with a former patient and her now 11 year old daughter, both healthy and doing well, or recalling time spent with a patient and her family to try and process devastating news, this job sticks with me.

What is your personal philosophy of care?

I believe that the most important aspect of providing health care is giving people the tools they need to be as healthy as they can. This varies from person to person, based on their experiences and needs, and it’s my job to try and figure out how to make this happen for them.

In your opinion, what things matter most to patients?

Listening to patients’ concerns. A provider cannot help if they aren’t listening to what patients are saying. It’s fundamental to building trust between patients and providers, and that trust is needed for patients to listen to the recommendations and feedback of healthcare practitioners. Being honest and nonjudgmental in my interactions is a priority. 

Why did you choose to be a Southcoast advanced practice practitioner?

I’ve lived in New Bedford for eight years now, and I’m so excited to serve the women and families of the community I live in. By working for Southcoast, I’m strengthening of my investment in this area, my transplanted home.

What do you like to do in your personal time?

Between work and family, there’s not an abundance of personal time. I try to fit in yoga regularly; I feel it’s important for my physical and mental health. 

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I used to play music in several punk rock bands.

Jennifer Anderson practices at:
543 North St., New Bedford, MA
508-973-2208

Dr. Kevin Delahanty

Internal Medicine/Primary Care

Clinical interests: Diabetes, asthma, thyroid diseases

What inspired you to become a physician?

My inspiration to pursue a career was my father. He was a quiet man who never did anything to draw attention to himself. I saw the respect and gratitude paid to him by everyone, it seemed. That was something to which I aspired.

Was there a moment when being a physician became more than medicine for you?

Helping a family grieve the death of a loved one.

What is your personal philosophy of care?

Recognize your own humanity, with all of its own particular faults and frailties, before every patient encounter, and be cognizant of the trust that patient is about to give in return for your willingness to listen to their concerns.

In your opinion, what matters most to patients?

The patience you demonstrate when listening to their concerns, the respect you pay to them and their story, and the diligence you apply to finding answers.

Why did you choose to be a Southcoast physician?

Southcoast presented itself to me when I decided to end my self-imposed retirement. So far, it was one of the best chance meetings of my life.

What do you like to do in your personal time?

Spending time with my family doing … anything! I’m enjoying watching my children grow and mature into young adulthood. I’m even enjoying the process of growth and maturation my wife and I continue to go through to become better people and parents. It is a never-ending source of joy.

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I am writing a children’s book. I started during my second deployment.

Dr. Delahanty practices at:
100 Rosebrook Way, Suite 200, Wareham, MA
508-273-4950

Dr. Daniel Miller

Internal Medicine/Primary Care

Clinical interests: HIV care, addiction medicine

What inspired you to become a physician?

I initially went into medicine because I wanted an exciting career where I could exercise my mind, experience the diversity of human experience and positively impact people’s lives in important ways.

Was there a particular moment when being a physician became ‘more than medicine’ for you?

One of the most profound experiences of my career was when I identified a patient with a growing malignancy in his neck. He was uninsured at the time and it seemed as though he was not going to be able to access adequate healthcare that might save his life. I explored every avenue I could think of to help him with minimal success. I felt such a strong responsibility for his well-being and dismay at the inequality inherent in our healthcare system. At that point, I knew it was necessary to move beyond being a just a clinician and also be a true advocate for my patients’ health, as well as for healthcare justice and equality.

What is your personal philosophy of care?

I try to put patient safety and the principle of “do no harm” as the bedrock of every patient encounter. I then build on this by applying my best clinical skills, knowledge, communication and compassion to target and develop a treatment plan that will make a positive impact for that patient at that visit.

In your opinion, what matters most to patients? How do you deliver on these?

Patients want to know that they are being listened to and cared about more than anything. I try to remember that I am in a unique position to make a positive impact on their lives even if it is in some small way.

Why did you choose to be a Southcoast physician?

I grew up in Sandwich, Mass., and I felt a strong desire to return home. I interviewed at several local groups and felt that Southcoast had a solid model and philosophy of care. I greatly enjoyed and respected the staff that I encountered and found myself excited by the prospect of joining the team.

What do you like to do in your personal time?

More than anything, I love spending time with my wife and three young children. We go on hikes, do craft s and school projects, or just hang around the house. We have a huge vegetable garden where we try to grow as much of our own food as possible in-season. I love music and play bluegrass-style banjo and guitar. I also love to run, read and listen to podcasts.

Dr. Miller practices at:
100 Rosebrook Way, Suite 200, Wareham, MA
508-273-4950

To find a Southcoast provider, visit southcoast.org/doctors.

Health+ Summer 2019