Whether you’re playing catch-up with work emails or playing catch with your kids, we understand it can be hard to make health a priority. The team at Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN understands that each woman’s health needs and life circumstances are unique. By taking a personalized approach, our physicians work with each patient to help her understand her healthcare options and provide sound advice—working collaboratively to come to a decision as a team.
While this approach allows doctors to get to know their patient better, it’s also important that patients feel comfortable with their doctors. Here are some fun facts to help you get better acquainted with members of the Riverview Health Physicians OB/GYN team.
Stephanie Brazus, MD
Dr. Brazus enjoys the continuity of care she’s able to provide her patients through all stages of life and believes it’s important to be an advocate for all her patients when it comes to individual healthcare needs.
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
What is your hobby? I have three horses that I ride and compete in dressage competitions.
What is one fact that people may not know about you? I skipped a grade in high school to go to Purdue early.
What do you like to do when you have time off? I like to travel and read books. I have a lot of books by Dean Koontz.
Did you ever consider a different career path? I wanted to be a vet initially, but then I decided I couldn’t put animals to sleep, so I switched to study pharmacy with the intent of going to medical school.
Rachel Davenport, MD
Dr. Davenport chose the OB/GYN field because she is passionate about empowering women through education to make their own healthcare decisions about their bodies.
Medical School: St. Louis University School of Medicine
Do you collect anything? I collect houseplants.
What is your favorite sport to watch: Sunday football.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza.
What is your favorite family recipe? My mom’s stuffing on Thanksgiving.
What is your favorite TV show, or is there something you’re watching currently? I am currently watching “The Great British Bake Off” on Netflix.
Where is the next place you’d like to travel? Italy.
Valerie Gathers, MD
Board-certified in OB/GYN, Dr. Gathers brings her passion for women’s health and wholeness to every patient she cares for and is deeply committed to helping her patients achieve their best state of health.
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
What has been your favorite vacation? Maui/Hawaii.
Where is the next place on your travel bucket list and why? I love Disney World, but I haven’t been since I’ve had children. I’m so excited to finally take my son and my daughter.
What is your favorite thing about your career? I get to be the first person a newborn baby sees.
What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie is “Pretty Woman.”
What is your favorite family recipe? My great aunt’s poundcake recipe.
Jade Meroney, NP
Jade is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who previously worked as a labor and delivery nurse.
School: Indiana State College of Graduate and Professional Studies
What has been your favorite vacation? Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee. We like to spend a week on a houseboat with our families. We have limited cell service, so it’s a nice way to reconnect with everyone.
Who is your favorite author? John Grisham or Jodi Picoult
What is your favorite TV show, or is there something you’re watching currently? “Friends” is my favorite. It’s one of those shows you can always turn on and instantly feel comforted.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? It’s a little cliché, but honestly, becoming a parent. It invokes almost every emotion within you—it challenges you, it changes you. It’s not always easy, but it’s a beautiful experience to be given.
What is your favorite thing about your career? I enjoy the connections I make with our patients. A visit to our office requires a certain level of vulnerability from them, so I strive to hear their concerns while making them feel more relaxed.
Ashley Seidner, DO
Dr. Seidner’s osteopathic training helps her evaluate a patient from the dimensions of body, mind and spirit in order to treat the person and not just the symptom.
Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why? It likely isn’t next on my list, but I would love to go to Greece someday. It simply looks so scenic.
What is your favorite thing about your career? Of course, there’s the huge privilege of helping to bring life into the world—not much can top that! But I also especially enjoy caring for women. I appreciate the spontaneity of my specialty and the mix of both obstetrics and gynecology.
What is your favorite TV show, or is there something you’re watching currently? I’m finishing up the hilarious and heartwarming show “Schitt’s Creek.”
Who are your favorite authors? I can’t pick just one. I love Atul Gawande, Glennon Doyle, Brené Brown and Cheryl Strayed.
What song would you say best sums you up? “You Gotta Be” by Des’ree.