Expertise:
Networking; Market assessments; Business; Patient care
Major Product/SVS:
Health care
Education Degrees:
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN (2010); Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Texas Woman's University; Degree in Business, Major in Economics, University of Tehran
Affiliations Awards:
Denton County Alliance; Project X; Denton County Medical Society; Former President, Denton County Nurse Practitioner Association; Texas Medical Association Alliance; CCFA; United Way Worldwide
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The most gratifying aspect of her career has been being able to accomplish many things in the United States, which she has found to be "the land of opportunity, as it promised." Acknowledging that "at times, the environment was receptive, and other times, harsh and abusive," Dr. Fletcher persevered and "learned that equal opportunity does exist in the field of education." Through education, she has been able to place herself in the position of being her own boss so that she can give care to those who truly need it.
Number Of Years In Profession:
10
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her dedication, hard work and belief that anything is possible, regardless of gender.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because she believed she could accomplish anything her heart desires, despite the discouraging messages she was given during her childhood. After coming to the United States, Dr. Fletcher got involved in real estate. Despite her success in this field, she continued her health care education and ultimately decided to move into medicine full time. She opened her clinic after earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
Extended Bio Profile:
Dr. Fletcher has succeeded in both business and medicine since she came to the United States. In 1982, she saw the need for additional housing for university students in Denton, Texas, and became the city's first female vice president, owner and investor in multiresidential housing. She began to purchase old homes with acreage and replaced them with apartment complexes. The apartments began generating revenues within 12 months. In the second and third phases of her project, which she undertook while studying for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Dr. Fletcher rented directly to the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University. She continued to build apartments and serve students with safe, upgraded housing until 2005, when she decided to devote herself full-time to the field of medicine. A caring and compassionate healer, she once provided screenings and colonoscopies in a gastroenterology practice to patients without insurance. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she devoted 300 hours of volunteer medical service to residents of Louisiana. At her clinic, she provides care to patients of all ages. She says, "There is a great sense of completeness when I share my knowledge with my patients and friends that no sum of money can purchase. I have a great deal of faith and respect for human rights. And, because of these attributes, and because of the challenges in life, I am where I am today."
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Seeing patients at two clinics; Serving as a nurse practitioner at the state level to schedule treatments; Communicating with other nurse practitioners, state and county medical societies, and hospital administrators concerning ways in which to reduce the cost of clinic overhead; Treating and checking on patients
Education Certifications:
Nurse Practitioner
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Dr. Fletcher hopes to open a total of 11 clinics around the world, especially in areas without readily available physicians. Her goal is to deliver patients immediate access to health care.