We were lucky to catch up with Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Airelle Rucker-Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Airelle , so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.
My journey as an African American female becoming a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner and the owner of FirstChoice Primary Care wasn’t easy. Originally from the Bronx, NY I undoubtedly experienced unique challenges throughout my career. Along the years I encountered many nay sayers, haters, discouragement and even laughs. I’ve always been driven by a deep sense of purpose. I knew what my purpose was by the age of 5. It was at that time I was diagnosed with Congenital Cataracts and was going blind. I needed to have surgery on my eyes to remove the cataracts. I remember my mother taking me outside of the Bronx to search for the best specialist in NY. Growing up in the Bronx, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes faced by many in my community. This and my own health needs fueled my passion to pursue a career in healthcare and eventually establish FirstChoice Primary Care. Knowing that my work directly impacts the lives of those who need it most gives me the strength to push through any obstacles that come my way.
I’ve learned to view criticism as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback. It’s not easy to deal with negativity, especially when it’s unfounded, malicious or comes from those we trust. However, I have learned to not internalize it. I stay objective and I assess the comment. Approaching it with an open mind allows me see the root of the criticism. Is it genuine? If it’s not, I leave the comment where it is. However, at times, there may be valid points hidden within the criticism that can help me improve or refine my approach. Other times, it’s simply a matter of recognizing that not everyone will understand or support my vision, and that’s okay. What matters most is staying true to myself and my mission.
Also, staying true to my faith first and foremost has kept me going when things get difficult. Surrounding myself with a supportive network of mentors, colleagues, friends and family has been instrumental in helping me stay grounded and resilient. Having people who believe in you provides a much-needed source of encouragement and motivation. The most important person that must believe in you is YOU! There were times when no one saw my vision but me. If I gave up because I didn’t believe in me I wouldn’t be here today. Self-confidence is necessary to become resilient.
Lastly, I make self-care a priority. Taking time to recharge and nurture my physical, mental, and emotional well-being allows me to show up as my best self, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, exercising, or spending quality time with loved ones, these moments of self-care are essential for maintaining balance and perspective in the face of adversity.
My ability to persist despite the haters and nay-sayers stems from a combination of passion, resilience, confidence and a strong support system. It’s not always easy, but knowing that I’m making a positive impact in the lives of others makes it all worthwhile.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As the founder and owner of FirstChoice Primary Care, now in Rockville, MD, I am deeply passionate about providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to individuals and families in our community. My personal experiences as a doctoral-prepared nurse practitioner has instilled in me a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and improving outcomes for all patients, specially underserved populations.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. Every day, I have the privilege of connecting with patients, listening to their concerns, and providing personalized care that meets their needs. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions, promoting preventive care, or offering compassionate support during times of illness, I am dedicated to ensuring that every individual who walks through our doors receives the highest standard of care.
At FirstChoice Primary Care, we pride ourselves on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where patients feel valued, respected, and empowered to take control of their health. Our team is committed to building trusting relationships with our patients and serving as advocates for their well-being.
In terms of exciting developments, I’m thrilled to announce that we will be expanding our services to include additional preventive care programs, health education workshops, and community outreach initiatives. You can stay updated on the latest news, events, and health tips by visiting our website and following us on social media. We are also exploring opportunities for partnership and collaboration with local organizations to further expand access to healthcare resources and support services in the Rockville community.
In everything we do, our goal is to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact on the health and wellness of our community. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead FirstChoice Primary Care and look forward to continuing our journey of serving with compassion, integrity, and dedication.
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?
Firstly, resilience has been crucial. In the face of adversity and setbacks, the ability to bounce back, adapt, and persevere has been essential. Developing resilience is not easy, but it can be cultivated through self-awareness, self-care, and maintaining a positive mindset. Surrounding oneself with supportive mentors and communities can also provide the encouragement needed to keep going when times get tough.
Secondly, effective communication skills have been invaluable. Whether interacting with patients, colleagues, or business partners, the ability to convey ideas clearly, listen actively, and build rapport is essential for success in both healthcare and entrepreneurship. Practicing active listening, seeking feedback, and honing communication techniques can help individuals enhance their interpersonal skills and forge stronger connections in their professional endeavors.
Lastly, a commitment to continuous learning has been a cornerstone of my journey. In both the healthcare and business realms, staying abreast of the latest research, trends, and developments is essential for providing quality care and remaining competitive. Embracing a growth mindset, seeking out opportunities for professional development, and pursuing lifelong learning can position individuals for success and enable them to adapt to the evolving landscape of their respective fields.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge intentionally. Invest in personal and professional development, seek out mentors and role models who embody these traits, and never underestimate the power of perseverance in the face of challenges. Remember that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth, and that with dedication, resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning, anything is possible.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Throughout my journey, several individuals and communities have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills needed for success. As a nurse practitioner, my mentors in the healthcare field played a pivotal role in shaping my clinical expertise and instilling in me a commitment to excellence in patient care.
As a business owner and entrepreneur, I’ve been fortunate to find guidance and support from other experienced mentors in the business world. These individuals have shared their wisdom, offered valuable insights, and helped me navigate the intricacies of running a successful practice. Their mentorship has been invaluable in honing my business acumen and strategic thinking.
Moreover, I’ve found immense value in building a community of fellow business owners and entrepreneurs whom I trust and respect. Being able to bounce ideas off like-minded individuals, share experiences, and learn from one another’s successes and failures has been incredibly empowering. This network of support provides a safe space to seek advice, brainstorm solutions, and gain perspective on the challenges we face as entrepreneurs.
The combination of mentorship from seasoned professionals and the camaraderie of my fellow business owners has been a cornerstone of my growth and success. Their guidance, encouragement, and shared experiences have equipped me with the skills, qualities, and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and thrive in my endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.firstshoiceprimary.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/airelleruckerdnp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fcpcares/
https://www.facebook.com/AirelleRucker - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/firstchoiceprimarycare
https://www.linkedin.com/in/airelle-rucker-smith-dnp/
Image Credits
Please credit Amanda Ghobadi with The Branding Babe Photography for capturing all images.
