About Janaye Keifer While Janaye Keifer began her medical career as a dental hygienist, she was drawn to nursing, because of all the available opportunities. As a nurse practitioner, she works to support the physician by seeing patients, providing care, prescribing and ordering tests as needed, and developing relationships. In addition, she uses her palliative care training as needed. After graduating as a nurse practitioner, she took a job at a cancer center in Kalamazoo, which she greatly enjoyed. Janaye is often asked if working in oncology is depressing, to which she says no. “I always tell people that there is so much more happy news than negative in the oncology world.” Janaye’s approach to practicing medicine is to provide personalized care to each patient and to help them feel respected, understood and valued. “I like the patient to feel empowered to ask questions and I really take the time to explain things in a way that I think they will comprehend,” she says. “I want them to be active in their care so they feel they are making their own decisions and are understanding recommendations.” Her patients have shown her that laughter is the best medicine, but that it is okay to cry. “Patients with a positive attitude and outlook are such a blessing to be around,” she says. Janaye’s desire as a  practitioner is that her patients can see she genuinely cares and wants to help them, however possible. “I hope they respect my recommendations and feel comfortable asking questions,” she says, “and that they enjoy my positive demeanor and my continued cheering for them and their journey.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  My parents have been my biggest lifelong supporters. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  I was a busser at a small family restaurant. I moved up to a hostess and waitress as time went on. It was the beginning of several waitressing jobs over the years. What is your favorite food?  Pasta What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  Best subject was reading/English, overall a good student; worst subject was chemistry and physics If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  I would love to have dinner with my grandma who passed away 10 years ago.  In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests?  My family. I have two young daughters who keep me on my toes! I love traveling, food, reading and music. Do you have any pets?  I have a sweet Labradoodle named Norman and 13 chickens. What is something most people don’t know about you?  I also have a degree in Dental Hygiene.