Get to Know Dina Whiteaker, APRN

What drew me to family medicine is the ability to care for patients across their lifespan. I’ve always been deeply interested in the continuity of care — seeing someone through different stages of life, building trust with families, and being a consistent source of support. It’s incredibly rewarding to treat everything from acute illness to chronic conditions while also focusing on prevention and wellness.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that empathy and connection don’t depend on physical presence. They depend on attention and communication. In telemedicine, you have to be more intentional in how you listen and engage. I've found that when you slow down, validate concerns, and communicate clearly, virtual care can be just as effective and personal as in-person care.

I wish more patients understood that hormone therapy, when personalized and medically supervised, can be a safe, effective tool for improving quality of life during menopause or hormone imbalance.

There’s still a lot of fear and misinformation, but with the right evaluation and monitoring, BHRT can help manage symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, sleep issues, and mood changes. It’s not about turning back the clock; it’s about restoring balance and feeling like yourself again.

What inspires me most is the resilience of patients — the way people fight for their health, ask questions, and want to grow.

Early in my career, I was inspired by learning and doing. Now, I'm more inspired by teaching, mentoring, and being a steady presence for patients. Experience has deepened my understanding that sometimes healing doesn’t come from curing, but from listening and showing up consistently.

I make time every day for something that grounds me; whether it’s walking outside, cooking a healthy meal, or practicing mindfulness.

I also protect my boundaries, especially with screen time and work, because I’ve learned that burnout doesn't just show up in exhaustion, it sneaks in through small neglects. Staying healthy for me means showing myself the same compassion I try to give my patients.