Jamie O'Rear, MD - Beacon Medical Group Surgical Services Elkhart

When Dr. Abuzafar Arif is donning his white coat, he has a laser focus on his patients and their well-being. That's the way it has been for the three decades Dr. Arif has worked as a physician and gastroenterologist. "I've seen a broad spectrum of patients and pathology," Dr. Arif said about his years practicing medicine in Elkhart and South Bend. Born and raised in Pakistan, Dr. Arif spent the early part of his career in internal medicine as an assistant professor at LSU New Orleans before completing his fellowship at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans. Colonoscopy Dr. Arif specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive and gastrointestinal tract conditions. He performs colonoscopies, prescribing to screen patients early if they present a higher risk of colon cancer. He also treats patients who have COLON, stomach, esophagus or liver problems. "Communication is a very important part of what I do," Dr. Arif said. "I take time to understand my patients to figure out what is causing their symptoms, because talking about their health and lifestyle gets us to the root of their problem. This helps me make the best medical judgment for the patient as an individual." IN HIS OWN WORDS: What are your hobbies? Our family travels a lot together. We love spending time at the beach. I also read a lot of books, particularly about homeopathy and natural medicine. What would surprise people about you? I have a sense of humor. I also play a lot of ping-pong, ever since I competed on my high school team. My kids haven't been able to beat me yet, but I tell them there should be some genetic thing there. What is your biggest challenge? Balancing work and family. So I have a rule: When I am wearing my white coat, I'm focused on my patients. When I take the coat off, I'm focused on my family. What has it been important for you to instill in your children? I've tried to raise them in a way they understand the importance of being honest, responsible and helping others. I was very lucky growing up, but I want to teach my kids that we should give back to the community.

Dr. Weirick received his engineering degree from Purdue University followed by his medical degree from Southern Illinois Medical School. He completed his residency training in Internal Medicine at Kent State University. Pursuing his interest in cardiology, he graduated from the University of Texas cardiology and interventional cardiology program. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Weirick has grown the Trans-catheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) program at Elkhart General Hospital and also performs Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR). He also diagnoses, treats and manages complex peripheral vascular disease. Dr. Weirick is a native to Indiana, growing up in Culver before heading to Boilermaker territory.

About Dr. Rapciak Dr. Maria Rapciak’s philosophy of care is based on making her patients feel heard. “I take great pride in providing patient-centered care as I work with my patients to decide on a treatment plan tailored to their needs and goals.” Dr. Rapciak said, “Patient empowerment, compassion, and education are crucial to a trusting healthcare partnership and successful treatment plan.” Dr. Rapciak decided on a career in medicine during her senior year of high school, while working as a nursing aide in an assisted living facility. Today, she is an experienced general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive surgery and treats general surgical conditions including gallbladder problems, breast cancer, hernias, and disorders of the intestines, including colon cancer. “I am passionate about general surgery as it allows me to provide definitive treatment and surgical care while integrating the latest medical advancements and technology so my patients may quickly return to doing what they love most.” Dr. Rapciak is specially trained on the Da Vinci® robotic surgical system for hernia repairs and colorectal surgery. She is also passionate about women’s health and enjoys collaborating with a team of multidisciplinary health care professionals to fight breast cancer. As a breast surgeon she has experience working at centers that earned the designation of the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC). Dr. Rapciak uses the latest technology for breast tumor localization, lymph node mapping, and has experience with intraoperative radiation therapy. Dr. Rapciak earned her medical degree from Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed general surgery residency at Franciscan Alliance St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields, Illinois. She is board certified and a Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. She is an active member of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, American Osteopathic Association, American Society of Breast Surgeons, and the Polish-American Medical Society. Prior to joining Beacon Health, Dr. Rapciak practiced in Illinois and Michigan, with a focus on minimally invasive general surgery as well as breast surgery. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My mother who taught me great work ethic, perseverance and compassion. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I worked at a gardening center where I learned a lot about plants and to this day enjoy gardening. What is your favorite food? Movie? What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Ice cream and chocolate are in a tie. My favorite movie is Parasite. I loved math in school and struggled with Physics. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a champion for women’s rights and worker rights. She moved mountains and inspired so many people to do better. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I love listening to music, attending concerts with my husband. I enjoy gardening, reading and spending time with my family. What is something most people don’t know about you? I love traveling and medical missions. Some of my fondest memories come from my trips to Tanzania and Ecuador.