We’d like to take a moment and reintroduce you to our primary care provider in Lady Lake, Dr. Cherie Hansen. Dr. Hansen joined our team about a year ago when she made VIPcare her home.
Dr. Hansen has over 24 years of experience caring for patients. She is a board-certified primary care physician specializing in family medicine and addiction medicine.
Who is Dr. Cherie Hansen?
Dr. Hansen, originally from Fort Walton Beach, Fl., was born at Eglin Air Force Base in the Panhandle, where her father was learning to fly F-4 fighter jets. With her father in the military, Dr. Hansen moved around from base to base until she was seven, when they settled back in Central Florida.
Medicine wasn’t always Dr. Hansen’s focus. Although she enjoyed science and even did her undergraduate and graduate training in biology, she thought she wanted to be a veterinarian. But her guidance counselor at school wasn’t encouraging at all, so she pursued a career in research and teaching.
“I enjoyed teaching at the college level while continuing my studies,” she said. “However, I began to focus more on human health and wellness, and it was a natural progression for me to apply to medical school.”
It was certainly no accident that Dr. Hansen decided to go into medicine, however. One could say it was in her blood.
Her great great grandfather started a hospital in Indiana and cared for patients regardless of their ability to pay. Then her great-grandfather made house calls by horse and buggy. And her uncle was one of the best surgeons in Orlando during his time.
So, what ultimately pushed her into pursuing medicine? A trip to South America with a group from school.
While hiking, a local cut his leg very badly. Fortunately, an EMT who was part of their group was able to pull out his bag, clean, and suture the wound, preventing any severe complications.
“I saw how limited the care was there and how much good could be done with the right skills and knowledge,” Dr. Hansen said. “I was impressed and wanted to learn the skill to be able to take care of someone if they needed medical help.”
Following Her Destined Medical Path
With the support of her husband, John, Dr. Hansen began medical school in her late 20s, finally following the path she was destined to take. To say going to med school was a huge commitment would be a slight understatement, as Dr. Hansen and her husband certainly had their hands full.
At the time, her oldest daughter was seven, and she became pregnant with her second daughter during her fourth year of medical school.
“I wanted to fake my own death when I started my internship with a brand-new baby,” she said. “Fortunately, my husband bought a papoose and took over baby care. I learned to sleep when I could.”
Ultimately, all the hard work and sacrifices were worth it. Dr. Hansen loves helping her patients and feels grateful to be able to do just that. Being a physician has given her confidence.
“I feel like superman when I put on my lab coat,” she said. “I transform into someone else. I truly enjoy taking care of my patients and passing along my education to them.”
Providing 5-Star Primary Care Service
At VIPcare, our goal is simple: to get you healthy and keep you healthy. To do this, we spend the time to get to know you and your concerns. Then, together, we create a specialized treatment plan that is specific to your individual needs. We take a comprehensive approach when caring for you and your health. We don’t just treat symptoms; we get to the root cause.
Come Meet Dr. Cherie Hansen at VIPcare Lady Lake
If you live in the Lady Lake region, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hansen and see how great she is. She is currently accepting new Medicare Advantage patients; call 866-926-3831. If you live outside the Lady Lake region, find a VIPcare provider near you on our locations page.