Rockford-born nurse practitioner an integral part of RGA’s team approach

Corrie Scott has honed her skills caring for patients in both the hospital and clinic during her time as a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Rockford Gastroenterology Associates (RGA).

Scott was born and raised in Rockford. She earned her associate degree from Rock Valley College and both her Bachelor of Science (BSN) and Master of Science (MSN) nursing degrees from Saint Anthony College of Nursing.

Working at a doctor's office during high school inspired her to pursue patient care as a career. Meeting nurse practitioners while working in a hospital intensive care unit during school motivated her to take a similar path toward advanced education.

"I like when I can help people," she explained. "In my role, I can help individuals get the care they need and determine a resolution to the problems they're facing."

After graduation, Scott worked in a hospital primary care setting for about a year. Then, RGA Nurse Practitioner Stacia Sackmaster told her about an opening at the practice, as she and Scott had attended nursing school and worked together.

Scott joined the RGA team in 2015 and initially worked in the hospital setting before transitioning to the clinic in January.

"RGA has been really great for me personally and also for my family," she said. "The physicians prioritize our wellbeing, and it's a good place to work. There's a camaraderie between everyone in the office."

In the clinic, Scott treats many gastrointestinal (GI) conditions and has a special interest in liver disorders. She appreciates RGA's team approach to caring for patients whose diagnoses can be chronic and complex.

"There's so much value in talking through treatment plans with the physicians and other nurse practitioners here. We're always focusing on the best available care for patients," Scott said.

She's learned to navigate the often delicate topics she has to discuss with patients when they're explaining their digestive symptoms.

Away from work, Scott lives in Roscoe with her husband and their two children. They enjoy traveling – taking smaller family trips with their two young kids – going to concerts, cooking and fixing up houses.