03/12/2026
“Be curious, not judgmental.” Some TV fans may recognize this phrase as a quote from “Ted Lasso,” but for nurse practitioner Andy Files, FNP, ENP, it has become a guiding principle, one that has influenced his career path and approach to patient care at Parkland Health Center.
Growing up, his fascination with the medical field was inspired by his mother, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse. “I was always interested in listening to her stories about caring for patients and the respect she received for the work she did,” he shared.
Once he entered nursing, Andy’s desire for new experiences and knowledge led him to pursue a wide range of assignments, including the emergency department, ICU, medical-surgical, swing bed rehabilitation neonatal intensive care, and house supervision. After becoming a nurse practitioner, he spent nine years in family practice before transitioning to emergency medicine.
“I believe that each experience I have had—each interaction with patients and their families—has fueled my desire to grow and practice at the highest level,” he explained.
He has now worked in the Emergency Department for a decade, but the challenges and opportunities to learn never stop.
“Each day you come on shift, you are going to face a situation you have never faced before,” he said. “Those moments allow us to continue to evolve and become better at what we do.”
Outside of work, Andy relieves the pressures of emergency medicine by escaping into a new book or venturing out for a run. He has even completed two marathons—as he put it, “not fast, but finished.”
He also values time with his wife, Erin, whom he credits as a constant source of support and motivation, especially during challenging periods such as earning his emergency nurse practitioner certification during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working at Parkland Health Center is a source of pride for Andy, not only for the work he does, but also for the community he serves.
“I love that Parkland is constantly giving to the community,” he said. “As a provider who not only works but lives in this area, it makes me proud to be part of the team.”
