By: Kathy Hubbard
Today’s question is, who knows you best? Is it your spouse? Your children? Your parents? Your friends? Check all that apply, but if you don’t add your primary care provider you’re missing one of the most important relationships when it comes to your health and well-being.
Your PCP is more than the person you see once a year for your annual checkup. Your PCP knows the ins and outs of your medical history, what medications you’re taking and how you respond to them. He or she knows your personality, your lifestyle and your treatment preferences.
If you’re looking for a PCP, today’s answer is Mercedes Dirks, MSN, FNP-BC, who has just joined the staff at Bonner General Health’s Family Clinic. To explain the alphabet soup after her name, Dirks has her Master of Science in Nursing degree and is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
Dirks has wanted to be a nurse since she was a teenager watching her mother go through breast cancer treatment. She found the nurses to be particularly kind and well-skilled.
“From the intensive care unit to the post-anesthesia care unit to clinical nurses, there were many nurses along my mom’s cancer journey who treated her with compassion,” Dirks said. “A specifically fond memory is of my mom’s last day of chemo when they always throw a celebration. There were nurses who came in on their day off to be there for her and her party.”
Dirks’ bio on BGH’s website says that after earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Wyoming, she built her clinical foundation in emergency medicine, medical-surgical nursing, and postpartum care. While working at both BGH and Boundary Community Hospital she developed a passion for rural healthcare. So, she went back to school to complete her education and earned her degree from Walden University in family practice.
“Throughout my career, I found that I loved caring for patients of all ages and walks of life. It allowed me to not only stretch my skill set, but also to hear stories and share memories throughout a whole lifespan. This is why I now choose family practice, as it gives me the opportunity to care for everyone, despite age or situation,” she said.
I asked her what she thinks is the biggest difference between big-city and rural medicine. She answered, “The biggest difference between big city and rural medicine is the roots you have in your community. There is a close knit feeling with your patients that is unique to small towns. Alongside that, you get to care for people you may see out in the community. It also brings great volunteer opportunities. I have volunteered with Chafe 150 in the past and am planning on doing more in the future.”
Speaking of the community, Dirks and her husband live in Naples, his hometown, with their baby girl. When not working, she likes to spend her time hiking, camping, reading, and experimenting in the kitchen with cooking and baking. Her bio says, “Above all, she loves spending time embracing the joys of family life in the Idaho mountains.”
When I questioned whether she planned to make this a long time commitment she said, “With a growing family, family practice can offer a better work-life balance. As for long-term relationships, I plan on allowing myself to be consistent for my patients.”
You’ve heard me talk about the importance of having a primary care provider from the standpoint of the patient. I asked Dirks to give me an idea what it’s like on the provider’s side. She said that her perspective was uniquely molded by the fact that she spent time at patient’s bedside.
“I chose my advanced degree so that I could bring my nursing skills, such as advocacy and compassion, to a provider role. As a provider, I find it important to be the center of a patient’s medical care, to know the most about my patients,” she said.
“As for my expectations from patients, it is important to communicate and find the best patient centered options. It’s my job to present options and treatments; it is your job to communicate what is best for you!”
Mercedes Dirks, MSN, FNP-BC is now accepting new patients. Call 208-265-2221 for an appointment.
Kathy Hubbard was a charter member of Bonner General Health Foundation. She can be reached at [email protected]. This article was written for publication in the Bonner County Daily Bee on January 28, 2025.