WOMAN TO WATCH

feature WOMAN TO WATCH meghan dr. lemke

LKNW RECOGNIZES A WOMAN DOING EXCEPTIONAL

WORK IN THE LAKE NORMAN COMMUNITY, A LEADER WHO IS PAVING THE WAY TO CHANGING OUR ATTITUDES

AND INSPIRING CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.

DR. MEGHAN LEMKE

CAROLINA ASTHMA & ALLERGY CENTER

on MY JOURNEY TO LAKE NORMAN: I met my husband, Chris, at the Mayo Clinic … he was a researcher, and I was a medical student there. We have three children: Camille, 13; Patrick, 10; and Greta, 6. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, and then moving for my medical education, I’ve enjoyed living in many locations, but Lake Norman has truly become our home. I grew up enjoying summer days on a lake so some of my fondest childhood memories involve time on the water.

on MORE OF THAT FAMILY FUN: Nowadays when we’re out on Lake Norman with the family, my childhood memories come fl ooding back, and I get to share that nostalgia of childhood magic and carefree fun with my kids … watching them participate in some of the same activities I did as a child. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing my children grow into unique and remarkable individuals. That’s pure joy! Additionally, my parents are now our neighbors, and we get to enjoy multigenerational lake life. One of the many lessons I took from the pandemic is to cherish those closest to us, especially family.

on MEDICINE BEING A NATURAL FIT: For someone who enjoys studying science and interacting with people, medicine came quite naturally to me. Also, while in medical school, I underwent some specialized allergy testing and treatment myself which drew me into the allergy/ immunology fi eld. There are still so many things we don’t fully understand about individuals and their delicate allergies; it pushes us to keep studying, learning, and adapting our practice to provide the best care possible. Now in the Covid era, it’s more important than ever to equip patients with a clear understanding of their individual health issues and risks and to feel empowered to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

on MY FAITH AS MY COMPASS: I look to Mother Teresa for inspiration in ministering to my patients. While admittedly a vastly different culture, the folks in our communities are not unlike the people of Calcutta – the basic need for human connection and compassion is universal. Mother Teresa lived to bring God’s love to people, and I am inspired to do the same. My faith is my compass … my faith is what gives meaning to everything I do in life. w

Dr. Meghan Lemke is a board-certifi ed physician with Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center. A graduate of Mayo Medical School, she was trained in pediatrics and allergy/immunology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and is boardcertifi ed in both areas. Dr. Lemke sees patients in the Mooresville and Huntersville offi ces and can be reach at 704.372.7900 or visit www.carolinaasthma.com.