Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Marina Fischer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Marina , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Ever since I was 4-5 years old, the healthcare field was an interest to me. At that time, I was fascinated and obsessed with bandaids. There are professional JC Penny pictures of me with bandaids on my wrists. (My mother said she was done fighting with me to remove the bandaids, lol). During my middle school years through high school, the anatomy and functioning of the human body was interesting and made sense to me at such a young age. Therefore, I always wanted to become a healthcare professional, a provider.
Initially, I wanted to be a pediatrician. I was accepted into Xavier University, a historically black university, in New Orleans, LA. This HBCU is known for guiding and advancing African Americans into medical schools. I was awarded a partial scholarship majoring in Chemistry. However, Hurricane Katrina occurred my freshmen year. So, I moved back home and a friend recommended I check out University of Missouri St. Louis Nursing program and discover more about the role of a nurse practitioner. Upon meeting the advisor, she mentioned my GPA and test scores were good with the advantage of me being enrolled straight into the program, no need for me to be put on the wait list. I graduated from UMSL College of Nursing in 2009. Then I gave myself one year to work bedside nursing with the timeline of applying to graduate school for family nurse practitioner course of study. As a result, I graduated from St. Louis University as a family nurse practitioner in 2013.
While working in urgent care and family practice primary care clinics, I was asked multiple times about seeing patients on my own. I politely declined. Then a friend, Jeanette Stomer, asked me the ultimate question again. Before I could decline her inquiry, she presented to me stating she has an office, fully supplied, awaiting a provider. She said she will help guide me to obtaining an LLC, etc. So, I said ok, why not (although I was very apprehensive and hesitant). To my surprise, the process of starting the business was so simple and a smooth process.
At that moment, I knew God destined me to be a healthcare provider. Not just any healthcare provider, but a nurse practitioner with my own clinic being a tangle example of kindness by educating my community about the importance of being a good steward of the resources provided to us by God, including our temples, our bodies. Ever since I was younger, I always had this interest, yet understanding the functioning and treatment of the human body. Learning the nursing content was natural to me. Furthermore, I was given compliments by instructors and patients of the care I provided.
So, responding to Jeanetta’s inquiry of starting and owning my own family practice clinic birthed “Intentional Living Primary Healthcare, LLC” in October of 2020. The title of my practice was placed on my heart with the understanding that God wants us to be intentional about our purpose throughout our lives. He is continually molding us to complete his will (hence, the potter’s hand with a thriving plant as the clinic logo). In summation, I determined my purpose is to complete God’s will by serving the community by delivering safe, effective, and comprehensive health care.
“For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a family nurse practitioner, I provide comprehensive health care services within family scope applying standards of practice and enhancing patient-centered care. I complete annual physicals, sport physicals, and manage acute and chronic conditions. I accept all major insurances and have a sliding cash pay scale for those with no health insurance. I’m the sole provider and all of my patients have direct contact with me requiring their health. I also include all of my patients in their care promoting personalized plan of care. My ultimate goal is to implement community health prevention, health promotion, and health maintenance.
This year in September, my baby brother, my only sibling, was tragically killed. He was an entrepreneur himself. He encouraged me to continue my clinic, especially during times when I was unsure how long I can support my clinic financially. In honor of him and his kind, giving soul, I will hold a clothing drive to help the homeless. I also plan to sponsor a scholarship fund with proceeds in honor of his name in 2025. Lil Stanley was a positive, kind man who believed his purpose was to serve others by showing love and compassion. I want to continue to honor him through my purpose and business.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that were and are most impactful in my journey is perseverance, diligence, and compassion. Being an entrepreneur is not for the weak! You have to have faith in your ultimate goal and continue to work and strive while fulfilling your purpose. Giving up is never an option. Also, my brother taught me it matters how you think. If you continue to think in fear or think you will fail, such thought will come true. If you have faith and continue to work toward your goal or outcome, you will succeed.
But understand you have to be persistent and patient with the process. For instance, my clinic was created in 2020. However, I’m just now starting to see the growth in my patient panel and advancements within my clinic.
When starting a business, you just have to jump in and do it! Sure, it’s nice to plan ahead, but you still have to start or implement your idea by simply doing it! So start that book, start that business, create your art! It was often told to me, a business will truly start to grow and profit after 5 years. Yes, that sounds like a long time. But as you continue to perfect your business, that time will pass and you will start to see the benefits.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My family and friends! Jeanetta Stomer had faith in me to start my own clinic. Breenae Washington created my logo. Markeisha Logan is my accountant. My mother, Valerie Fischer, is the clinic’s administrator. My partner, Kevin Gladney, is continually encouraging me and promoting my business. My brother was my personal cheerleader. I have numerous friends and family as my patients. Overall, I have a strong support network.
Contact Info:
- Website: Info@intentionallivingphc.com
- Instagram: @intentionallivingPHC
- Facebook: @intentionallivingPHC
- Other: Intentional Living Primary Health Care, L.L.C. Appointments Only Phone: 1-844-599-9687 1120 S. 6th Street, Suite 110 St. Louis, Mo. 63104
Image Credits
Cory Lampkin Jr. Lance Omar Thurman
