About Theresa Malcom Life experiences shaped Theresa Malcom’s career path. In her early 20s, she decided on a career in medicine, because she liked the many options and demands of the field. “Both my parents passed away from lung cancer,” she says. “I have a desire to devote my practice to improving quality of life for all my patients. I hope they learn from me that there are people who listen and care about them.” Theresa is experienced in post anesthesia care, medical-surgical and acute pain services, having worked at Elkhart General Hospital for more than a decade. With Beacon, she feels she is working for a trusted employer. From her studies at Ivy Tech Community College, South Bend and Goshen College, Theresa continually strives to expand her professional knowledge and responsibilities. Her goal is to improve a patient’s quality of life in any way she can. In making patients her No. 1 priority, Theresa’s philosophy is to treat everyone as if they are your loved ones and to never judge them. “Everyone has different struggles,” she says. “The more you know about someone’s situation, the better you can help them.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  My husband, because he encouraged me to go to college. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  McDonald’s. My favorite thing about this job was that they offered employees a free lunch meal while working – anything off the menu! What is your favorite food? Movie? What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  My favorite food is my mother’s tuna casserole.  My favorite movie is Titanic.  Best subject in school was math.  Worst subject in school was English. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  My parents – I miss them very much. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests?  I am very passionate about my health and working out.  My interests? I love spending time with my family and traveling. What is something most people don’t know about you?  I have 10 siblings, two deceased.