What makes you passionate about being a healthcare provider? Being a healthcare provider is something that I take very seriously. I enjoy listening to my patients, doing the necessary tests and research to come up with a diagnosis, and developing a treatment plan that both the patient and I are comfortable with. It is so rewarding to see a patient improving after applying the appropriate treatment plan. In your opinion, what should be the role of a primary care provider for a patient, taking into account both physical health and behavioral health needs? For me, the role of primary care provider is all encompassing. The patient's physical, mental and spiritual health should all be accounted for when looking for a diagnosis and treatment plan. If the patient can be treated as a whole person, not just physically, they will have a better overall outcome. Tell us a little bit about yourself. What do you like to do in your spare time? My name is Whitley Hockensmith, I am a board certified Nurse Practitioner from Kentucky. I am married and we have three small children. In my spare time, I love sewing and quilting and in the summer months, I love gardening and canning/preserving fresh food from our garden.