Hannibal Regional Medical Group welcomes Mickels to weight management team

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal Regional Medical Group recently welcomed Jessica Mickels to its weight management solutions team.

Mickels earned her adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner degree through Herzing University and has worked in a variety of healthcare roles for more than 10 years. She began her career with Hannibal Regional in 2014 as a registered nurse and recently completed her education and training for her new position. 

In a press release, Mickels said, “When I first walked into an operating room, I knew I was home. I have loved being a first-assistant in general, robotic and bariatric surgery for the last few years, but at the same time, something had been missing. Although I had the privilege of witnessing patients in their most vulnerable states in the surgery suite, I wasn’t part of their journey before or after surgery.

“Choosing to become a surgical nurse practitioner has allowed me to be involved in my patients’ entire journey. Now, I have the opportunity to engage with patients before their surgery, provide guidance and education throughout their journey to surgery and witness the profound impact surgery can have on their future.”

Hannibal Regional’s weight management solutions provides medical and surgical treatments for weight loss to people who meet specific criteria and struggle with obesity. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, each patient is carefully evaluated by the team and receives education about available weight loss treatment options.

Mickels is focused on getting to know her patients, learning their goals for their health and using a holistic approach to educate and guide them and their families on their health journey. 

“As a nurse practitioner first-assistant in surgery, I have the unique opportunity to see my patients before surgery, assist the surgeon during the procedure and watch how these surgical interventions can have a positive impact on a patient’s future health,” Mickels said. “Specifically in bariatric surgery, it is very rewarding to see these patients before surgery, hear what their goals are for themselves and their families and watch as they become the healthiest versions of their selves by using the tools that our weight management solutions program offers.”

To learn more, visit hannibalregional.org/weightloss.