MOSES LAKE- Patients at Comprehensive Family Care now have another health care provider to call on with the recent addition of Tammy Nolan, advanced registered nurse practitioner.

Nolan joined Comprehensive Family Care, run by Dr. Irene Kimura, in December. She previously spent two years specializing in women's health at Samaritan Healthcare.

Nolan said this week she was excited to make the move since it meant she could expand the type of health care she could provide to Moses Lake residents. Instead of just seeing female patients for example, Nolan can now help members of the entire family.

"I've always enjoyed women's health, but now I can stay with the whole family and get to know them," she said. "I want to make that connection, and that's why I was excited when I was offered this position."

Nolan said she wants to focus on preventative care and encourages Moses Lake families to practice healthy habits.

"I'm looking forward to being more involved in the community and helping people be the best they can be," she said. "I want them to stay as healthy as possible."

Being able to get to know patients personally is what initially prompted her to return to the Columbia Basin, said Nolan. Nolan said she was working as a registered nurse in Seattle when she realized she wanted to move to a smaller community.

She pursued a master's degree in family practice and made the move back to Grant County.

"I wanted the small community lifestyle and wanted to be more involved in patient care," said Nolan, who grew up in Ephrata.

Nolan said she enjoys being a part of the Moses Lake medical community. Between general family care providers and various specialists, Moses Lake residents have access to top notch health care, she said.

"We have great resources here," she said. "If we can keep it local, it will benefit the community."

Nolan said she plans on practicing in Moses Lake for the long run.

"The goal is to be here for the next 15, or 20 years," said Nolan.

Comprehensive Family Care is located at 821 E. Broadway Ave. For more information, call 509-765-1602.