Kayla Zimmerman cared for patients in many different settings, including hospitals and nursing homes, before beginning her family medicine practice at OSF Medical Group – Washington.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed bedside nursing in the hospital setting, but my true passion is to care for patients throughout their lifespan. I have always been passionate about health promotion and disease prevention. I am a huge advocate of living a healthy lifestyle and taking care of yourself," Kayla said.

Family medicine is the perfect setting for Kalya to be able to follow her passion of caring for her patients' overall well-being – physical, psychological, social and spiritual. She looks forward to getting to know her patients and wants them to see her as a source of support.

Kayla uses the teach-back method, asking patients to repeat back to her how they will manage their health after leaving the office.

"I strive to ensure my patients leave the office with a better understanding of their health than they did before," Kayla said.

When she's not working, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors – "Everything from walking, running, biking, hiking, camping or just relaxing by the pool."