Julie Lewis, ANP, cares for general cardiology patients. She is a North Carolina native, UNC School of Nursing graduate and a Swiftie. Julie enjoys baking, cooking and exercises daily. She is also a pizza lover!
What is your role in the Department and what patients do you serve?
I am a nurse practitioner in the Division of Cardiology and I see a variety of general cardiology patients and hospital follow ups.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Granite Falls, which is in the foothills of North Carolina.
Did you always envision yourself as an APP?
I graduated from UNC School of Nursing and worked as an RN for 7 years and it was then I saw the benefit of graduate school and becoming an APP.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Seeing cardiology patients on a path to recovery. So many with heart conditions see their diagnosis as fate, but lifestyle changes, including a diet and exercise, can make a difference.
How has your role evolved over time since you’ve been here?
I’ve gone from seeing follow ups for one attending to seeing acute patients, hospital follow ups, and my own slate of patients.
What is one thing that you wish people knew about your job?
That the patients are our partners in better health. Medicine has its limitations, but a patient who is willing to make change in their life is key to a whole new life.
Personally or professionally, what are you most proud of?
I love reading the thank you cards, reviews, and testimonies from patients whose lives have improved.
If you didn’t have a career in medicine, what would you be doing?
It’s a toss-up between baking cakes and pastries and volunteering at a dog rescue organization or shelter.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
My hobbies are connected – I enjoy baking, cooking, and taking classes to learn new skills. I also exercise daily with either running, weightlifting, walking and swimming. Anytime I get to do these activities with my family is a plus.
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pizza – it’s the only answer.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
You may not have the life you envisioned, but you can still have a good life.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
Professionally, I would like to continue staying up to date in cardiology as best possible.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Likely a Taylor Swift song. I’m in a Swift phase.