Biography
Christopher Somers, B.S.N., N.P.-C., is a nurse practitioner who specializes in pulmonology and critical care medicine. He sees patients at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland.
While Chris was in nursing school, he shadowed in the Operating Room, Emergency Room and on other medical floors to determine what his passion would be. “I fell in love with the fast-paced ED environment and ability to learn and care for multiple comorbidities,” he said. “While working as a nurse, I felt the strong desire to be more involved in direct patient care to improve positive outcomes.”
His path into health care was not the most traditional, having begun his career in the business world. After being laid off during the 2008 recession, Chris’s podiatrist suggested he shadow him in the OR after surgery on a torn ligament. “After shadowing, I realized I wanted to be a nurse,” Chris said. “After three years working in the ER, I loved being hands-on with patients and having a direct involvement in patient care plans, which led me back to school to complete my nurse practitioner degree.”
Philosophy of Care
Chris’s philosophy of care stems from his firsthand experience as a patient as well as five years of working in health care. “I believe that providing the highest quality of care is solidified by teamwork where communication is transcended across all levels of care,” he said. “Also, empathy and compassion should be held to a high standard of care regardless of status. It is easy to become complacent and desensitized as we evolve from day to day operations, but I believe losing this empathy and compassion negates our ability to properly put ourselves in the patient’s shoes.”
In addition, Chris strives to foster a relationship with his patients where they feel confident in his ability to provide care as well as being comfortable to contact him with concerns. “I want my patients to know that I have their best interests at heart and will treat them like family members,” he said.
Chris spends much of his free time at his cottage in northern Michigan, and enjoys being on the water and exploring nature with his dogs, Ruby and Ozzie. He also enjoys playing and watching sports, fishing, camping and hunting as well as restoring classic cars.
