Nurse Practitioner Emily Stunek is welcoming new patients in the endocrinology department at the Essentia Health-Duluth Clinic.
“After graduating from college with my nursing degree, I was lucky enough to obtain a position as an inpatient nurse working for Essentia,” Stunek said. “At that time, I did not realize how much the organization and its values meant to me. After working elsewhere, I was drawn back to Essentia and its mission to make a healthy difference in people’s lives.”
Stunek earned a doctorate degree in nursing from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D. She is certified by the National Certification Board of Diabetes Educators.
“Growing up with Type 1 diabetes, I dreamed about being a pediatric endocrinologist and I proudly shared that aspiration with anyone who would listen,” Stunek said. “Looking back, I am not sure if my aspiration to be a pediatric endocrinologist was solely to help others or if I wanted company as I battled my disease. Perhaps I wanted to surround myself with others who suffered with chronic diseases so I would feel less alone. I recognize now that I had an underlying need to be seen as a person, not just a diabetic patient.
“Many years have passed and I now live with two autoimmune endocrine conditions. I have grown to understand that I am not alone. I was never alone, and now I have the opportunity to make a healthy difference in the lives of others.”
To schedule an appointment with Stunek, call the Duluth Clinic at (218) 786-8364. To see her full profile, visit EssentiaHealth.org and click on “Doctors & Providers.”