Sara Davis, NP - Beacon Medical Group Surgical Services Elkhart

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.

About Dr. Wani Dr. Adil S. Wani’s father, uncle and late grandfather were all physicians, but it wasn’t until high school that Dr. Wani decided on a career in medicine. “It was fascinating to me how the human body maintains homeostasis and small changes in this balance can lead to an illness. Preventing these small changes and improving an individual’s well-being would further lead to uplifting society. This has been my ultimate goal.” While there were many reasons to join the team, Dr. Wani chose Beacon because he shares our mission and values. “Beacon and I share the same goal: To enhance the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of communities.” As an interventional cardiologist, Dr. Wani can deliver on that. “I treat individuals suffering from heart disorders. I consider the heart to be the center of the body. Any disturbance in the heart can cause a significant impact on one’s health. Prevention and treatment of a disease in such a vital organ and its impact on well-being led me to choose this specialty.” Dr. Wani received his medical degree from the Government Medical College in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India. He completed his residency at the Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He completed his Cardiology Fellowship and was the Chief Fellow at Advocate Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Though interventional cardiology is his specialty, Dr. Wani has another treatment strategy he uses with all patients. “Patients have taught me the power of listening. Listening to someone with undivided attention is one of the most profound healings one can provide another.” And because he listens to his patients, Dr. Wani can keep the focus of his work where it matters: his patients. “My philosophy is to keep my treatment plan patient-centered, simple and thorough.” In his own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My late grandfather. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I have volunteered in my community growing up, and I remember it being satisfying. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My wife, she is alive, and I love our dinner time because she knows everything! In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I love traveling to new places. I enjoy hiking, sight-seeing, long endless drives, star gazing on a clear dark night and trying out different cuisines. I also enjoy working out. What is something most people don’t know about you? I am not a big fan of public speaking!

About Katie Lemmers When Amanda “Katie” Lemmers, FNP, started on her healthcare journey, she was interested in neurology and then pediatric physical therapy. As she learned more about the many aspects of medical care, she became interested in becoming a nurse practitioner and found her specialty while helping a patient who suffered from heart disease. “The patient was in ICU multiple times with cardiac interventions, and eventually had open heart surgery,” she recalls. That person ended up suffering from a cardiac arrest. She and her colleagues helped get the heart pumping again and the patient was able to walk out of the hospital five days later. “It was then I knew in my heart that if I could help just one more person with heart disease, I would,” she says.” She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University-South Bend and her Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner Degree at Goshen College (Indiana). She has experience as a school nurse, intensive care nurse and critical care nurse. Katie believes in treating the person and that each individual is unique. “There is also something to treating the mind, body and soul,” she says, adding, “I believe that we are not only treating the patient but their family as well.” She hopes her patients learn from her that even in times of difficulty, even a small change can make a difference. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My father. He taught me that all obstacles are really opportunities and to never give up. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? Detasseling corn. I remember it being hard, dirty and hot. Lots of long hours. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite foods: German chocolate cake with caramel coconut icing and cheesecake. Favorite movies: The Big Chill and The Notebook What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best were math and science; worst were geography and history. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? My mom, as I have grown up since she passed away. I would love to talk to her one more time. If she isn’t available, I would go with Queen Elizabeth – I am sure that would be the best dinner ever. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I love running, eating, learning new things and traveling. I believe people should experience another culture at least once in their life. Do you have pets? I have a German Wirehair Pointing Griffon dog named Bohdie. What is something most people don’t know about you? My grandfather has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and my mom was in older Disney movies.