Tanya Smith, APRN, CNP

Practice philosophy: I strive to care for each patient individually with a holistic approach. I believe by empowering my patients to take an active role in their health, their success in obtaining their goals is much more attainable. Each person is unique and their care should be too. 

What are you passionate about and why? I am passionate about caring for our aging population as they have cared for us throughout their lives. I have a special interest in internal medicine because I love challenges and piecing together every aspect of their care.

If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be? Maybe a forensic scientist... I am obsessed with true crime.

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I always knew I wanted to be a provider, even as a child. As a nurse, I grew and wanted more autonomy as I felt I had more to give to my patients. The timing to go back to school was perfect!

What is something you have learned from your patients? My patients teach me something new every day. In seeing their health on a continuum, I am reminded how important your health is. It can change at any given moment. 

What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? One of the challenges that I enjoy as a nurse practitioner is providing access to timely care. Meeting patients, their families and their individual needs is something that I treasure!

What is your personal health goal? To lead a healthy and active lifestyle that also serves as a role model to my patients.

What is the best thing you've done for your health or the best health advice you've received? The best thing that I have done for my health is finding a work/life balance. Keeping your physical health and mental health is so important.

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of the family I have raised. I have a husband and two children. They are my greatest accomplishment!

What are a few of your personal achievements? Graduating suma cum laude at the University of North Dakota. I helped develop a comprehensive cognitive assessment clinic for patients with varying stages of dementia.