With over 40 years of experience, Karen Lee joins Western Sierra Medical Clinic as a Family Nurse Practitioner in the Penn Valley clinic. At 15, Karen began her healthcare career as a nurse’s aide and got her LVN nursing license at 19. She later graduated Summa Cum Laude from California State University, Stanislaus with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then a Master of Science in Nursing.
Karen says she “has chosen a career that is the best fit and can’t imagine doing anything else.” Before relocating to the area, she was an NP in the Stockton inner city area. During her time in Stockton, she did community service and worked with the homeless and veteran populations at St. Mary’s Homeless Shelter and Modesto VA. She spent a short amount of time with Dignity Health before joining Western Sierra Medical Clinic. Over the last 40 years, she has cared for patients from all avenues of health, from every patient demographic.
She poured herself into the community to build roots, hoping to make a difference. Karen employs a holistic approach and believes in proactive healthcare: “I really do consider the whole person, including cultures and habits, as we work together in addressing chronic health issues. I want to treat the entire body and not just chase a symptom.”
“One of the things I’m most excited about joining WSMC is that we have an intradisciplinary healthcare model where I know I can refer patients to the specialists they need to get the best care that they deserve,” Karen said when asked about this new venture at Western Sierra Medical Clinic.
She is encouraged by the medical advancements she’s seen over her career and hopes to leave a positive impression on the lives of her patients and their families.
Karen enjoys spending time with her four children and eight grandchildren. She enjoys doing community service, cooking, traveling, and entertaining.