We are excited to welcome Megan Fraser to our Second Chance for Life Board of Directors. Meg has been a nurse practitioner for 11 years and loves her career in advanced heart failure and heart transplant. Her real passion is getting to know patients and their families. Meg says that being able to support patients during their journey with heart failure and transplant is one of the most rewarding things she has ever done.
When did you join the M Health Fairview Cardiology team, and what drew you to this role?
I joined the University of Minnesota Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplant group in 2017. Prior to that, I had been working at the University of Colorado in Advanced Heart Failure and Heart Transplant. My husband and I are both from the Twin Cities and did grad school here, but we moved to Denver for three years during his medical residency. When he then matched in fellowship in Minnesota, I started to look for positions in heart failure. I was thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to join the heart failure and transplant team at the University of Minnesota and have been here ever since. I love the U because of the opportunity to participate in research and educational opportunities.
Can you share a bit about your professional background and what led you to specialize in advanced heart failure and heart transplant care as a nurse practitioner?
I have been a nurse practitioner for 11 years now. My bedside nursing background was in cardiology. To be honest, I initially wanted to work in women's health but took a job on a cardiology floor as a backup plan. And I ended up loving it! When I further specialized in the heart failure field - my passion grew. For me, the draw is not only the interesting medicine and cross over with so many other medical specialities - but the continuity of care. I enjoy getting to know patients and their families. Being able to support patients during their journey with heart failure and transplant is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done (only second to being a mom:) ).
You have a passion for helping patients whose heart failure is genetic. Can you tell us more about your interest in this area?
A few years ago, I was asked by one of my physician colleagues if I would be interested in joining our cardiovascular genetics clinic and I jumped at the chance. This clinic involves seeing patients with genetic causes of their cardiomyopathy (heart failure). It's a growing field as we learn more about genes and the future of gene editing therapy. It is also gratifying because we are able to start medications early on before the heart develops severe disease as a way to slow the progression of disease. The CV genetic clinic is multidisciplinary - we have now two genetic counselors, a dedicated CV genetics RN, arrhythmia cardiologist Dr Roukoz, imaging cardiologist Dr Shenoy, and four brilliant cardiologists Dr Schultz, Dr Kalra, Dr Markowitz, and Dr Kamdar.
How do you approach working with patients who are facing advanced heart failure or are preparing for a transplant?
Working in the field of advanced heart failure and transplant can be incredibly rewarding but also emotional as a provider. We see patients at their worst and their sickest. My role as an advanced practice nurse is to support patients through this process. I do my best to educate, advocate, and support patients and their caregivers through this difficult time. I wholly recognize that I have never been in their situation personally, but I hope that my experience comes through as expert experience and I attempt to connect patients and their caregivers to others who have been in "their shoes".
What do you find most rewarding about caring for patients with advanced heart failure or those undergoing heart transplant?
The absolute best part of my job is getting to know patients and their caregivers - being able to care for them in the hospital (sometimes meeting in heart failure clinic first) and later in transplant clinic. Our patients are so resilient and it's amazing to see their progress. When transplant clinic visits become "social visits" and we get to catch up and share photos of family and trips - it is the best. :)
How do you support patients and their families through the emotional and physical challenges of heart failure and transplant?
I think the best way heart failure providers can support patients is by providing honest, open communication regarding their health status, allowing space for feelings and concerns during these difficult conversations. It is crucial to meet patients "where they are at." . In many cases, patients find support amongst each other so encouraging connection with others can be very beneficial too.
What is one thing you wish more patients understood about managing advanced heart failure or the transplant process?
The transition between advanced heart failure and heart transplant and post-transplant life is different for everyone. There is no blueprint. And there will always be setbacks - we hope small - but these are inevitable. It is important to acknowledge this upfront. In my experience, patients have an easier time "riding the waves" when expectations are met. Also, a trusting relationship between the patient/caregivers and our transplant team is imperative. Trust has to be mutual - so open communication and flexibility is important during this time.
In addition to your work as a nurse practitioner, you have a busy family life, too. If you feel comfortable, please share information about your family and activities. Outside of work, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies that help you maintain balance in your life?
I do! My husband Rob is a cardiologist at Abbott Northwestern. We met in high school, and both ended up in cardiology! I like to say he followed me into it because I did it first. We have three kiddos - a 6-year-old daughter, 5-year-old daughter, and 3-year-old son. We love to travel with our kids - especially to the North Shore and Colorado. I am really enjoying watching my kids at their activities, especially dance and soccer. Admittedly I do not have a great work-life balance, but my schedule does allow a lot of weekdays off which are often spent at the children's library, zoo, or park.
Could you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that might surprise your
patients?
Family is the most important thing to me. I am the eldest of six kids and have over 50 cousins, most of which live in the Twin Cities. My siblings and my cousins are my best friends. As far as hobbies - I danced competitively my whole life, through college. Love to watch football and soccer - specifically, Vikings and Badgers.
Comments