This December, Jennifer Adams will celebrate 25 years with GIA. She has served as an LPN with Dr. John Haydek for most of her career. She sees patients, coordinates schedules and triages patient phone calls.
Since Dr. Haydek is a specialist in Barrett’s esophagus, which is caused when stomach acid damages the esophagus, she is an advocate for esophagus health as well as colon health. “If you have daily reflux, get screened and stay current with your colonoscopies,” Jennifer said. “Colon cancer is largely preventive – we can get those polyps out before they turn into something worse.”
Self-described as cheerful and energetic, Jennifer pointed how fulfilling it is to work at GIA and help patients get the treatment they need: “I love my patients! I treat them like I would want my own family to be treated.”
She also recalls her favorite patient story. “I was going in for car service, and a man behind the counter was green as a gourd. The nurse in me kicked in as I asked him if he was feeling OK. He told me about reflux and stomach pain and that he had not sought medical help. I asked him to please come see us that day and scheduled him as soon as I returned to the office. When Dr. Haydek emerged from his exam, he told me that the patient would be immediately admitted due to a GI bleed. I still see him when I get my car serviced, and I am so glad I spoke up that day.”
When not at work, Jennifer savors time with her family, including two granddaughters, who she loves to cook with, so they “put our aprons on and cook away!” She has remained connected to her mother’s group and services online at her church and looks forward to returning in person. She also enjoys flower and vegetable gardening. “I’ve lived in a condo and now I have land, so my garden keeps expanding.”