Published on September 19, 2023
Read Time: 5 Minutes
Three Things to Know
- Outside of work, Phelps Health doctors and providers have several hobbies, from hunting and gardening to making music and working with student athletes.
- Phelps Health physicians and healthcare providers use their hobbies and interests to bond with their patients.
- Phelps Health providers find that many of their passions have connections to health and wellness.
Do you ever wonder what your doctor or healthcare provider does in their spare time? From growing beautiful wildflowers to producing piano albums, read on to discover three of our providers’ hobbies and extracurricular activities.
A Passion for Hunting
Phelps Health Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) Sydney Fryer isn’t always wearing a white coat. When fall comes around, you’re more likely to find her in camouflage.
Since 2012, deer hunting (both bow and rifle) has been a big part of Sydney’s life. Her current bow of choice? A hot pink Quest bow.
“I’ve been hunting since high school, when I met my boyfriend (now husband) who grew up around the sport,” said Sydney, who sees patients at the Rolla and Waynesville Walk-In Clinics. “I ended up loving it, and we still hunt together today. It took a lot of practice and perseverance, but it’s very rewarding when you end up getting the deer you’ve been looking at all year on camera.”
For the busy mother of two, hunting is a relaxing break in the action.
“Hunting allows me to spend quality time with my husband while enjoying nature,” Sydney said. “One of my favorite parts about hunting is watching the sunset and listening to nature’s sounds.”
Life often mimics art, and Sydney has found parallels between her sport and her profession.
“Bow hunting is not something you can just walk into and be good at,” she explained. “It takes work and dedication. Deer hunting will humble you very quickly; just when you think you have it figured out, your plans will change. Much like my job as a nurse practitioner, I strive to work hard and never stop learning.”
Sydney also enjoys bonding with patients over the sport. “I love hearing my patients tell their deer hunting stories and swapping deer photos,” she said.
Invested in the Game
If you don’t see Phelps Health Orthopedic Surgeon Alan Heincker, DO, in the clinic, you might just catch him at a Miners’ football game.
Since 2016, Dr. Heincker has been on the sidelines at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) football games.
“The [Phelps Health] Orthopedics team regularly cares for everyday patients, but also is involved in keeping our community healthy and encouraging regular activity and exercise,” he said. “I work closely with the athletic trainers for the local high schools and Missouri S&T. I try to attend all the home games for the football team and collaborate with the university physician to provide care if needed before, during or after the game.
“Usually, these student athletes do not require surgery; most get treated for minor or overuse type of injuries,” added Dr. Heincker. “It’s exciting to be down on the sidelines with the athletes, the athletic trainers and the school physician. Things get even more exciting when my alma mater, Truman State, comes down to play.”
For Dr. Heincker, this opportunity is a full-circle experience.
“Athletics are a big part of the reason I became a physician,” he said. “Since high school, I have enjoyed running and still do. Running introduced me to some lifelong friends, and it’s always great to see the team atmosphere on the field and in the locker room. I always hope these student athletes are making lifelong friends. Beyond that, I hope they develop a love for sports that will later transition into playing in rec leagues, coaching or simply staying active.”
A Green Thumb
Purple cone flowers, zinnias, black-eyed Susans, roses, bachelor buttons, daisies, moon flowers, Asian lilies and snap dragons: these are just a few of the beautiful flowers that grow in Phelps Health Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) Josie Eoff’s garden.
Josie, who specializes in gastroenterology, grew up with a green thumb.
“I’ve gardened for many years,” she said. “As a child, we always had a garden, which sparked my own interest.”
In addition to flowers, Josie also plants tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, beans, onions and dill. Garden prep starts in early spring, and seeds are harvested as the flower dies, around the end of summer to fall. Josie’s husband assists her by setting things up and watering her flowers and produce. This particular year, however, has presented a few challenges.
“It has not been a good season because of the dryness. We’ve had to water more than usual, and some of my plants aren’t as nice,” Josie said. “Also, the deer destroyed a lot of my garden, so a plan is in place to prevent that next year.”
In a good year, Josie loves harvesting and sharing her flower seeds and plants with friends and family.
“I love the connection between herbs, plants and food, and how it relates to our health,” she said. “I am at peace when I am able to work outside and be in nature. It is a great stress reducer.”