About Dr. Lichtenbarger As the first physician in her family, Dr. Amber L. Lichtenbarger realized her calling while in college. “While working on my biology degree, I worked nights in the hospital lab. I was exposed to the doctors, nurses, techs and other professionals who took care of patients every day and saved lives. I wanted to be one of them.” Now, Dr. Lichtenbarger is. She found the perfect specialty for her interests, compassion and skills. “Family medicine physicians provide comprehensive, evidence-based, continuous, personalized care to patients across the lifespan. I never really considered another specialty,” said Dr. Lichtenbarger. “I wanted to take care of multiple generations of families – from pregnant moms and babies to children, young adults and older adults – to help improve all aspects of their health and watch them grow and change over the years.” Doing this requires a comprehensive yet simple practice philosophy. “Family medicine is about relationships, and relationships are based on trust,” Dr. Lichtenbarger explained. “I want to work with my patients to improve their long- and short-term health. I know that I need to earn their trust to be effective at treating and preventing disease.” After receiving her bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Indiana University South Bend, Dr. Lichtenbarger pursued her medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine. Her medical career which began in a Beacon lab is now coming full circle. “Beacon is my home,” she said. “I and both of my daughters were born at Memorial, I worked in the Memorial lab during undergrad, and I did my residency at Memorial. There’s nowhere I’d rather be.” In Her Own Words Who are the most influential people/role models in your life? The most influential people in my life are my daughters. I want them to be proud of me and to know that they can achieve anything they are willing to work for. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I worked at Saylor’s Pizza in Mishawaka making the sandwiches and pastas. I never did get promoted to pizza tosser. It’s a lot harder than it looks. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased), who would it be and why? My grandmother, Frances “Dolly” Jerome. She was the first person to suggest becoming a doctor to me. By the time I gave the profession serious consideration, many years later, she had passed away. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I’m passionate about my family. I enjoy reading fantasy novels, hiking and seeing new places. My husband and I recently bought a camper and have been busy dragging our teenage daughters around to as many state parks as we can.