Health care professionals: Names to Know

Seacoast Dermatology adds key personnel to support growth

SEACOAST — Seacoast Dermatology, a leading dermatology services provider, announced the addition of two new FNP’s in response to increasing local demand for medical dermatology providers. Ashley Milliken and Kara Fiore function as an integral part of the medical team and are accepting new patients.

Ashley Milliken, FNP-C, MSN, APRN states “I’m happy to be working in medical dermatology and especially pleased to be at Seacoast Dermatology. Their unique team structure provides patients the benefit of experienced communal knowledge…it’s an exciting team environment.”

Milliken’s prior experience as a certified registered nurse included roles at Bedford Ambulatory Surgical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass. Her clinical experience included positions at Convenient MD Urgent Care in Stratham, Catholic Medical Center Urgent Care in Bedford and Atlantic Internal Medicine and Pediatrics in Portsmouth. She is a current member of the Dermatology Nurses Association and Sigma Theta International Nursing Honor Society, the second largest nursing organization in the world.

Kara Fiore, FNP-C, MSN, BSN currently holds dual licenses as a certified nurse practitioner  in both N.H. and Mass. She comes to Seacoast Dermatology from CVS Urgent Care and held prior positions at Boston Children’s Hospital and John Hopkins All Children Hospital in Mass. Her clinical experience includes Hawthorne Medical Associates/Family Medicine, KD Medicine & Wellness/Primary Care and Catholic Medical Center/Breast Care Center. Fiore is a current member of the Dermatology Nurses Association.

“Being part of a cohesive medical team allows me to hone and expand my skills. Delivering quality medical dermatologic care to patients is especially gratifying and I have that opportunity here,” says Fiore of Seacoast Dermatology.

Seacoast Dermatology’s leading team of local providers offer expert comprehensive medical dermatology services including cosmetics and advanced Mohs surgery for skin cancer.

Patients have local access and optimum flexibility in scheduling appointments with virtually no wait times by phone at (603) 431-5205 or online at SeacoastDermNH.com .

Cornerstone VNA welcomes new Hospice Care Director

ROCHESTER – Cornerstone VNA, a trusted nonprofit home health provider, announced the appointment of Lisa Nichols, RN, MSN, CCM, IQCER, as the new Hospice Care Director. Lisa brings a strong background in nursing leadership, case management, and quality patient care. She is excited to further strengthen Cornerstone VNA’s mission of providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients and their families.

Nichols is a Registered Nurse, with a Master’s degree in nursing, and a certificate in Executive Leadership from Perdue University Global. She is a certified InterQual instructor and a certified case manager, bringing a wealth of expertise in training, developing, and motivating nursing teams to deliver top-quality patient care. Nichols is known for her supportive and empowering leadership style and has a proven track record in policy development, cost-saving initiatives, and effective teaching. Nichols is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the Case Management Society of America, the American Case Management Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

“We are excited to welcome Lisa Nichols to our team,” said Jennifer Ufkin, RN, MSN, VP of Operations at Cornerstone VNA. “Lisa’s leadership and dedication to improving patient outcomes align perfectly with our organization’s values. We are confident that she will make a significant impact on our Hospice Care program and the communities we serve.”

In her new role, Nichols will oversee the Hospice Care program at Cornerstone VNA, ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care and support during their most vulnerable times. Her vision for the future of hospice care at Cornerstone VNA includes a focus on continuous improvement, patient education, and fostering a compassionate care environment for both patients and their families.

“I am honored to join the dedicated team at Cornerstone VNA,” said Nichols. “Hospice is a vital service that allows patients to live with dignity and comfort during their final stages of life. I look forward to leading our hospice team and working closely with our staff, patients, and families to provide exceptional care.”

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Health care professionals: Names to Know