Biography
Abby Hunter, M.S.N., F.N.P.-C., is a nurse practitioner who specializes in family medicine and sees patients of all ages at MidMichigan Health Park – Houghton Lake. Abby chose the specialty of family medicine because it looks at the whole patient, and she can work with people at whatever stage they are at to accomplish their health care goals.
“I think one of the most exciting things about family practice is the idea of a patient-centered approach,” Abby said. “People all have different goals and ideas as to what is fulfilling and important to them. When practitioners start to use this approach as a guidance for patients, patients have better success because they are a part of their care. They are able to decide what is right for them – because it’s different for every patient.”
Philosophy of Care
“My philosophy in care is to meet people where they are at,” Abby said. “We all have our own unique set of goals and needs that are everchanging. It’s my goal to help people work toward achieving a healthy active lifestyle that fits into their day-to-day life. It’s important to me to listen to people and what they want. This makes the care I provide more meaningful.”
Abby works to be a partner with her patients. It’s important to her that her patients feel heard, and she gives them an opportunity to make their needs a priority. “I like to provide guidance, leaving decisions in a patient’s care up to them,” she said. “I enjoy educating patients and working together to set goals that they feel are achievable.”
It’s most satisfying to Abby when her patients feel heard and leave their appointment feeling motivated and encouraged. “It is exciting to see patients feel like they are in control of their health and excited to make changes to achieve their goals,” she said.
Abby wants her patients to know that they can feel comfortable when they choose her for care, and understand that there is no judgement in the way that she approaches their care. “My goal is to work with patients to ensure that they are comfortable and confident with the care that they receive,” she said. “What sets me apart from other providers is my willingness to listen first. I want patients to understand that my focus is not to tell them what to do. I want them to choose health care goals that are important to them and use my guidance to help them achieve those goals. It is important for patients to understand that I have their best interest at heart and I want them to live a happy, fulfilling life.”
Special Interests and Procedures
Abby has a special interest in exercise, nutrition and preventive health.
In her free time, she and her husband, Jake, and their daughters, Quinn and Hadley, enjoy spending time together, especially being outdoors and golfing.
