Motivational Inspiring Journey of Dr. Michelle P. Bean… An Inspiration..

Dr. Michelle P. Bean is a native of Delray Beach, Florida. She is a proud graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Information Management. She obtained her Master of Science degree in Human Services with a specialization in Health Care Administration from Capella University. In constant pursuit of education, she completed her Doctorate of Philosophy in Human Services.

Dr. Bean enjoys volunteering and mentoring others. She is a member of the American Health Information Management Association. She also served as Secretary/Treasurer, and President of the New Mexico Health Information Management Association. She was awarded and recognized for her leadership, ongoing commitment, and dedicated service by the NMHIMA Board of Directors. Dr. Bean is also the Director of Health Information Management at Christus St. Vincent Health System, in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Dr. Bean has always enjoyed working within the healthcare field and being able to help patients by managing their health information. As a breast cancer survivor, she truly understands the importance of advocating for your own health, knowledge about healthcare plans, being hopeful, having compassion, and being an encouragement to others. Dr. Bean’s breast cancer journey began when her twin sister, age 36 years old, found a lump one evening before bed and results revealed: Stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma and the cancerous cells were also in her lymph nodes. After genetic testing, her sister’s results also showed that she was a carrier of the BRCA 1 gene mutation. Being a twin, it was recommended that Dr. Bean get a mammogram as well. Her results revealed just six weeks apart from her twin sister, an earlier stage of breast cancer: ductal carcinoma in situ. After countless appointments, research, prayers, guidance, radiation treatments, and being her own advocate; she decided to undergo surgery, a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Dr. Bean never would have known she had a time bomb ready to explode! She truly believes it is important to, “listen to your body, advocate for your own health, and treatment methods; it may just be a decision that save your life”. Her experience and passion to give back is expressed through the mission and vision of PINK “ME” Breast Cancer Organization (Providing Information, Networking, and Knowledge… “My Experience”) to provide support to other women like herself.

Dr. Bean is a frequent participant of the breast cancer half marathons in Florida and enjoys celebrating her annual year of survival by participating in the event along with other survivors and supporters.