Dr. Jamie O’Rear always knew she wanted a career in health and biology, but it wasn’t until her medical mission in Quito, Ecuador during college that she decided she wanted to be a doctor. “I was touched by the ability to connect with patients every single day,” Jamie says. “That desire to interact with people is what steered me to a career in medicine.”

She chose general surgery because of its targeted, handson approach to helping patients heal from a wide range of conditions – which includes anything from breast cancer to appendicitis. “Because general surgery is such a comprehensive and diverse specialty,” she adds, “I have the ability to establish lifelong relationships with my patients and treat them for a variety of different issues at all stages of life.”

That same commitment to her patients also led her to Beacon. “Beacon was instrumental in my development as a medical student at Indiana University. It was important to me to join a group and hospital system where the surgeons and staff were committed to technical excellence, teaching and high-quality care for every patient.”

When it comes to her philosophy for practicing medicine, Jamie believes in treating each patient like a member of her own family. “Everyone has a unique story,” she says. “I believe it’s important to tailor treatment plans with each individual so they can make informed decisions about their own health and be comfortable with and confident in their care. It’s my privilege to get to know my patients as I help them achieve their best health.”

In her own words…

Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My mother.

What was your first job growing up? I was an ice cream artist and cake decorator at Coldstone Creamery.

What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food is pizza, and my favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life.

What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Biology was my best subject. History was my worst.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Mother Teresa. She had inspirational courage, perseverance and grace, and she brought joy to countless people.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests? I like spending time outdoors with my son and my husband, whether hiking, at the beach, in the mountains – or playing in our backyard.

What is something most people don’t know about you? When I was growing up, I thought I would be a ballerina, a librarian or a scientist.