Laura Blanchard, MPAP, PA-C, was the first inpatient APP hired within the hematology division and has helped grow the program into a 10 person team. She is an advocate for the APP profession both at UNC and nationally. Laura is also a mom and a music lover who almost became a trumpeter. Her favorite food is the chick pea salad from Kardia!
What is your role in the Department and what patients do you serve?
Lead inpatient APP in hematology caring for adult patients with blood cancers.
Where are you from?
Greenville, NC
Did you always envision yourself as an APP?
No. I started my college career as a trumpet performance major, but quickly realized music was an internal passion of mine and that I wanted to help people on a more personal level. I learned about the PA profession towards the end of my college career and after learning more, I knew this was the perfect fit for me both personally and professionally.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Helping people navigate the best and worst days of their life. Receiving a cancer diagnosis is life changing and comes with many ups and downs. I enjoy helping patients better understand their disease and guiding them every step of the way.
How has your role evolved over time since you’ve been here?
I was the first inpatient APP hired within my division and helped to grow our program into what is now a 10 person independent APP service caring for complex and critically ill patients 24 hours a day/365 days a year.
What is one thing that you wish people knew about your job?
As an inpatient APP, we are the masters of multitasking and time management. We are pulled in every direction possible but still manage to provide the most compassionate and high-quality care to our patients every day.
Personally or professionally, what are you most proud of?
Being a working mom who has been able to balance being a strong role model for my children while also giving back to my profession by making a positive difference in the lives of my patients and colleagues as well as advocating for the APP profession both at UNC and nationally.
If you didn’t have a career in medicine, what would you be doing?
Principal trumpet with a symphony orchestra
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
Music and watching my kids play sports
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chick pea salad from Kardia
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life – Marc Anthony
What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
Grow in my leadership roles/skills by gaining more experience and knowledge inside and outside of the organization to continue to grow and advocate for the APP profession.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Hills and Valleys by Tauren Wells