As a high school senior trying to choose between two very different career paths, accounting or medicine, I’ve been asking a lot of questions lately. What kind of work helps people? What will keep me learning? What could I see myself doing every day and still find meaning in it? I didn’t expect a casual conversation with Jill Kuhlmann, APRN at Smith County Family Practice, to give me so much to think about. She didn’t try to sway me toward any one job, but she did show me how powerful it can be to help people take control of their health, one conversation at a time.
Jill is a health care provider and a mom, which gives her a unique perspective on what it means to care for people. When we talked, she emphasized something that’s been sticking with me ever since: “Preventive care isn’t just about catching something early. It’s about creating space for better conversations and better lives.”
She walked me through the kinds of screenings that can make a real difference. A pap smear for cervical cancer should be discussed as soon as someone becomes sexually active. Mammograms for breast cancer? Typically around age 40, earlier if there’s a family history. Screenings for lung, ovarian, or colorectal cancers often begin around 45, and lifestyle choices can raise or lower your risk.
But here’s the bigger picture: Jill says these conversations don’t just start at 40. “Talking about your habits—smoking, alcohol, diet, movement—it matters at every age. Prevention starts with honest conversations.”
What I found most compelling wasn’t the checklist of screenings (though I learned a lot), but the why behind Jill’s work. She sees medicine as more than treating symptoms. It’s about trust. It’s about education. It’s about helping people feel seen and empowered to take control of their health.
As someone standing on the edge of the future, I saw a glimpse of what purpose can look like. Whether I end up managing books or managing care, one thing’s for sure: our health matters. And so does the person who sits beside you and helps you talk about it.
So here’s my encouragement—from one young adult to another: Make the appointment. Ask the hard questions. Start the conversation. You’re worth it.
– Michael Ferguson, Nex-Generation Intern