Biography

Krystin Gillard, APRN-C, is a board-certified nurse practitioner who provides care to patients at Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute. She works closely with patients and their families to develop care plans to best meet their needs.

Medical Education
Master’s, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, AL

Bachelor’s, University of North Alabama
Florence, AL

Certifications
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
American Nurses Credentialing Center

Memberships
American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society

Clinical Interests
Cardiology

Meet Your Provider

What led you to become a doctor or choose your focus of medicine?
I was very close with my great-grandmother. When she was in the end stages of her battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diastolic heart failure, I wanted to take care of her as well as she had taken care of others. I made the decision to pursue nursing. I completed my nursing internship on a post-surgical cardiovascular thoracic unit and began my nursing career on a cardiovascular step-down unit. I gained a love for cardiology and enjoyed the relationships I made with patients. I decided to become a nurse practitioner to further my medical knowledge and become more involved with patient's plan of care.

What about your line of work do you find most rewarding and why?
It is rewarding to educate patients. I enjoy explaining the pathological mechanisms behind their conditions, as well as how medications and lifestyle modifications work together to improve their outcomes and quality of life. It is rewarding to see patients "connect the dots."

What is something about you that only your patients would know?
I care about them not only as patients but as a person. I truly enjoy developing our patient-provider relationship over the years.

How would a patient describe you?
Compassionate, personable and thorough.

What’s your proudest moment as a provider?
My proudest moments as a nurse practitioner are celebrated alongside my patients when we are able to achieve their health goals, and I know I helped make a positive impact in their life.

In your opinion, what’s the most important factor in a provider-patient relationship?
Trust and open communication are important in a provider-patient relationship. I want patients to feel comfortable to voice their concerns or questions and know that I am on their team. We are working together to optimize their cardiac health and quality of life.

What do you find most encouraging about the work you do?
Health care is an ever-changing field due to medical advancements. With the use of research and technology, we are able to offer new treatment options to improve patient outcomes. It is encouraging to see the synergistic effect.

What are your top priorities with every patient you see?
Listening to the patient, discussing their questions/concerns, helping patients understand disease processes/treatment options and implementing a treatment plan that aligns with their individualized goals and wishes.

Do you have any specific medical interests?
Cardiology and heart failure.

Resources