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Gwen Richardson, PhD, MSN, FNP, Board Certified

Education:

After completing an undergraduate degree at Ball State University and working as a nurse in various capacities and practices, I earned my Master’s Degree in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University.  I have been board certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner since 1997, and I earned my Ph.D. in Community and Public Health Education and Human Services from Walden University in 2002.

Professional Interests & Specializations:

I enjoy the variety that is present in college health and wellness visits, including: sexual health, education and management of acute and chronic illnesses, and mental health issues. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders.

Length of time at PUSH:

Before coming to PUSH in 1999, I spent 3 years with a local private family practice where I cared for a wide range of problems encountered in family practice. Prior to becoming a family nurse practitioner, my years as a registered nurse were spent in a wide variety of settings including private office, medical-surgical unit, emergency medicine, urgent care, outpatient/same-day surgery, nursing home care, and in-home services. I had the opportunity to provide care for a wide gamut of conditions encountered in these diverse settings, including eating disorders, outpatient/same day surgery care, visiting nurse/hospice field work, and high tech float RN covering all specialty departments in a large multi-specialty health clinic.

Why do you like working at PUSH?

I have always enjoyed working with college students, and in the college health center I have found my perfect fit. I love the energy and excitement on a college campus. I find the students to be inspiring and unique. I love being a part of what they are going to accomplish in their college careers and seeing the diversity of the student population. I enjoy being part of their health care team and consider it a privilege to keep them healthy and teach them self-care behaviors that will keep them healthy for the rest of their lives. I enjoy teaching and educating them on how to navigate their own health care.

What is your philosophy of care?

My philosophy of care is to focus on the whole person and develop a partnership between the health care provider and the patient, while fostering a common goal of achieving and maintaining wellness using a compassionate patient-centered approach to care. I feel it is important to provide a warm, non-judgmental, caring, inclusive environment for each patient. I also feel that humor plays an important role in wellness and healing. My goal is to educate and encourage patients to be responsible for their own health through partnership while teaching them how to navigate the health care system.  I offer a holistic view of wellness by incorporating self-care, nutrition, exercise and a positive environment while mitigating risky behaviors common in the college setting. I provide evidence-based medicine which is vital for positive outcomes in health care.

What do you like to do when you’re not at PUSH?

When I’m not at PUSH, my husband and I are busy raising our six children. We enjoy Purdue football and basketball games, as well as the concerts and other activities of both Purdue and the West Lafayette schools. 

Fun Fact about me:

There’s no challenge to parenting if you aren’t outnumbered!

What do Gwen's Patients Have to Say About Her?:

"Gwen Richardson is a great friendly face to see when coming to push for my needs! She really made my experience!"

"Gwen Richardson was very kind and understanding."

"Gwen Richardson is the best. She is assuring, kind, knowledgeable, and professional."