Leslie Chandler, MSN, MS, MPH, APRN-CNP

Leslie Chandler, MSN, MS, MPH, APRN-CNP is a certified Adult and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Instructor within the Reynolds Section of Geriatric Medicine.  She has over 30 years of experience in nursing, caring for adults with chronic diseases and has been an NP with Geriatrics since 2016.  Her prior master’s degrees in Epidemiology and Health Education inspired her to emphasize the importance of health literacy and setting achievable goals to address those issues that matter most to the geriatric patient and caregivers.  Leslie emphasizes wellness and primary and secondary prevention in her practice.  In fact, in 2012, as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist trained by Mayo Clinic, she started the first and only clinical-based tobacco-cessation program on campus that employed both pharmacological and motivational interviewing to treat nicotine addiction.  The program was very successful and achieved over an 80% verifiable quit rate at 3 mos.  Elders who continue to use tobacco are particularly challenging as they have often become discouraged over time with repeated failed quit attempts.  She currently accepts referrals for tobacco cessation assistance from other providers.  Leslie also plans to pursue an additional certification as a Dementia Care Specialist to assist with the unique care needs of these patients.

In addition to her clinical obligations, Leslie serves as a preceptor to local nurse practitioner students as well as those who are pursuing online studies.  She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.