Baxter Health Gastroenterology Clinic Welcomes Kirsten Cotter, APRN

Baxter Health is pleased to welcome Kirsten Cotter, APRN, to the Baxter Health Gastroenterology Clinic. Cotter joins Dr. Abodunrin S. Badejo, Dr. William S. Dyer Sr., Patricia Acklin, APRN, Kimber Jensen, APRN, and Amanda Stricklin, APRN, and will begin seeing patients on September 8.

Cotter is not new to Baxter Health. She has been a registered nurse and charge nurse with the health system since 2001, building more than two decades of relationships with patients and colleagues across the organization. Her transition to the Gastroenterology Clinic as an APRN represents a natural next step in a career defined by continuous growth and a deep commitment to the patients of north central Arkansas.

Gastroenterology is the specialty focused on the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, and pancreas. Conditions treated by gastroenterologists and their advanced practice partners range from acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome to inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and colorectal cancer screening. For patients managing these conditions, access to a knowledgeable provider close to home makes a meaningful difference in their long-term health.

Cotter earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Missouri State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Missouri State University as well, completing her advanced practice training while continuing to serve patients as a registered nurse. She also brings experience as a clinical instructor at Missouri State University’s West Plains campus, where she helped prepare the next generation of nursing students for practice. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and the American Gastroenterology Association.

Her background spans a number of clinical settings, including burn unit nursing at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, float pool and charge nursing, and clinical instruction at the university level. That breadth of experience informs how she approaches patients and prepares her well for the variety of conditions she will see in the GI clinic.

Outside of work, Cotter enjoys spending time on the lake and being outdoors. She treasures time with her family and friends as well as her two French Bulldogs.

Brian Barnett, Vice President of Physician Enterprise and Business Development at Baxter Health, spoke to what Cotter’s addition means for the clinic. “Kirsten has been part of the Baxter Health family for a long time, and it is a privilege to watch her step into this new role,” Barnett said. “She brings clinical experience, dedication, and a genuine connection to this community that our GI patients are going to feel from day one. We are proud to have her on this team.”

Kirsten Cotter, APRN, will begin seeing patients on September 8 at the Baxter Health Gastroenterology Clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (870) 425-4416.