Sentara Family Medicine Provider Delivers Patient-Centered Care
“I have experienced some childhood illnesses that made me realize I wanted to be in the medical field and help people,” says family medicine nurse practitioner Kimberly Escalera. “And when my aunt underwent cancer treatment, I realized how important it is to have a provider who advocates for patients. It was then I knew what my role should be.”
Holistic Primary Care Services
Escalera joined Sentara Internal Medicine Physicians in Williamsburg at Kingsmill, where she provides primary care services to both prevent and treat illness.
“With family medicine, I care for all age groups, from children to older adults,” says Escalera. “And I treat a wide variety of conditions while emphasizing holistic care and addressing a range of factors that influence health.”
Escalera can treat any health need but has a particular interest in:
Prevention
To keep people healthy, Escalera offers:
- Well visits and physical exams
- School and sports physicals
- Vaccinations
- Women’s health services, such as pelvic and breast exams
- Risk assessment, examining health and family history to identify disease risk factors
Diabetes
“Diabetes is a chronic disease, and new treatment options are constantly improving outcomes,” says Escalera. “I help patients with medications and with making lifestyle changes that can dramatically change how they cope with diabetes.”
Migraines
As someone who experiences migraines, Escalera understands that migraines are more than just headaches. She uses a comprehensive approach to understand a patient’s triggers and suggests changes they can make to prevent or minimize future migraines. Her goal is to help reduce the impact that migraines have on their daily activities.
Individualized Patient Care
“When I first meet with someone, I ask questions and listen so I can have a deep understanding of their concerns and goals,” says Escalera. “I work with them to establish a comprehensive plan that will address their needs — whether that’s treating a chronic illness or keeping them in optimal health.”
Escalera wants patients to know that she cares about them, not just as a patient but as a person. “I want people to feel like they can come to me with any concern, not just when they’re sick or during their annual physical.”
As a working mother, Escalera knows it can be challenging to find time to reach out to a provider. To offer more access to her patients, she begins her day before 8 a.m. and has extended hours Tuesday evenings. She provides telehealth visits through Sentara Virtual Care.
Background
Escalera lives in Williamsburg with her husband of 20 years. She has one child in college and another in high school. In her spare time, she enjoys family hikes and taking in the history of Williamsburg.
She is board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and a member of the Virginia Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association. She received her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Old Dominion University.
Escalera is accepting new patients at Sentara Internal Medicine Physicians, located at 477 McLaws Circle, Suite 1, Williamsburg, Va. Make an appointment by calling 757-984-9650 or by scheduling online.