Meet Gwenn Leatherman, DNP-BC

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gwenn Leatherman, DNP-BC a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gwenn, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

After graduating from Nurse Practitioner school in 2016, I initially struggled with imposter syndrome. To overcome these feelings, I sought out mentorship and began working with two experienced providers. Their guidance and support were invaluable in helping me build my confidence and clinical skills.

Beyond mentorship, I made it a point to seize every opportunity to learn and stay up to date with the latest practices in primary care. This commitment to continuous education has reinforced my knowledge and competence as a healthcare provider.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my practice is the strong connection I have with my patients. I take pride in thoroughly understanding their medical and social history, which allows me to provide personalized and comprehensive care. This deep connection is something that not all providers achieve, and it underscores the authenticity and dedication I bring to my role.

Through these experiences, I realized that I am not an imposter. I provide the best primary care possible for my patients, and it is an honor and a joy to care for them. This recognition has been instrumental in overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing my identity as a confident and capable Nurse Practitioner.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am Gwenn Leatherman, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, and I own and operate Leatherman Healthcare, LLC, a primary care practice focused on providing personalized and comprehensive care to our community. I also founded H&G Elite Wellness, LLC, a clinic specializing in weight loss and hormone replacement therapy. My journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to community health and a passion for building strong, meaningful connections with my patients.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. At Leatherman Healthcare, LLC, we go beyond treating symptoms; we strive to understand the whole person, including their medical history, social context, and personal needs. This holistic approach allows us to deliver care that is both effective and compassionate, fostering trust and long-lasting relationships with our patients.

H&G Elite Wellness, LLC, which we opened in May 2023, represents an expansion of our commitment to health and wellness. The clinic focuses on helping individuals achieve their weight loss goals and manage hormone-related issues, offering tailored solutions that address the unique needs of each patient. This new venture has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows us to support our patients in achieving their broader health and wellness goals.

In addition to our clinical work, we are always looking for ways to grow and serve our community better. We recently welcomed a new nurse practitioner, Jennifer Adler, FNP-C, to our team. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience and shares our dedication to patient-centered care. We are thrilled to have her on board and are excited about the new perspectives and energy she brings to our practice.

I am incredibly proud of the work we do and the positive impact we have on our community. At Leatherman Healthcare, LLC, and H&G Elite Wellness, LLC, our mission is to provide the best possible care to our patients and support them on their journey to health and wellness.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities are dedication, resilience, and a love for my craft. These elements have shaped my career and allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.

Dedication:
My commitment to being the best Nurse Practitioner I can has been a driving force throughout my career. Dedication means consistently striving for excellence, staying up to date with the latest medical practices, and continually learning. For those early in their journey, I advise setting clear goals and putting in the hard work to achieve them. Stay focused on your objectives and never lose sight of why you started in the first place.

Resilience:
The path to success is often fraught with challenges and setbacks. Resilience has allowed me to navigate these obstacles and emerge stronger. Embrace the difficulties as learning opportunities and keep pushing forward. For newcomers, remember that setbacks are a natural part of any journey. Develop a thick skin, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward with a positive attitude.

Love for My Craft:
I have an unwavering passion for being a Nurse Practitioner, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. This love for my work fuels my dedication and resilience. When I am in a room with a patient, nothing else matters. I am solely focused on hearing them, caring for them, and developing a mutually agreed-upon plan of care. This approach ensures that their medical care is respectful, understandable, and effective. For those starting, find joy in what you do. Cultivate a genuine passion for your work, as this will sustain you through the ups and downs of your career.

Advice for Developing These Qualities:

1. Dig Your Heels In:
Be prepared to commit fully to your chosen path. Success requires hard work, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

2. Come Up with a Plan:
Set clear, achievable goals and create a roadmap to reach them. Having a plan provides direction and helps you stay focused on your objectives.

3. Execute It:
Follow through on your plans with determination and consistency. Pay attention to the details, stay organized, and be proactive in addressing any challenges that arise.

When you are with a patient, give them your undivided attention. Listen to their concerns, show empathy, and work together to create a care plan that meets their needs. This not only improves patient outcomes but also strengthens the trust and connection between you and your patients.

By embodying dedication, resilience, and a love for your craft, you can navigate the complexities of your career and achieve success while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed at the office, I take a few deep breaths to center myself. If I have the time, I find it incredibly helpful to take a walk or sit outside in the sun for a few minutes. These small breaks allow me to clear my mind and recharge, helping me return to my tasks with renewed focus and energy.

Another strategy that has been invaluable to me is connecting with other women business owners. Having friends who run their businesses, even if they are in entirely different fields, provides a unique form of support. We share ideas, discuss our struggles, and find camaraderie in our shared experiences. This network has been a great source of strength and insight for me.

One of the most important practices I’ve implemented in my business is never making an important or difficult decision without sleeping on it. When I take the time to rest and approach the decision with a clear, refreshed mind in the morning, I find that I can more effectively rationalize the pros and cons. This strategy has helped me make better decisions and approach challenges with a balanced perspective.

By taking moments to breathe, connecting with a supportive network, and ensuring I give myself time to reflect before making major decisions, I’ve found effective ways to manage feelings of overwhelm. I encourage others to find what works best for them and incorporate these practices into their daily routine to maintain their well-being and productivity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.leathermanhealthcare.com and www.handgelitewellness.com
• Instagram: @leathermanhealthcare and @handgelitewellness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leathermanhealthcare and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091738989082
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgwennleatherman/