01/19/2026
We thought it would be fun to come up with various questions to ask each of our providers to help you get to know them better. Every month, we will feature one out of three providers and the questions we asked them. First up, Dr. Sharyce Baartman!
What made you want to become a hearing provider?
I have always been interested in hearing loss. My grandfather and father had hearing loss and my aunt used sign language to communicate. I originally started taking classes at the University of Minnesota for teaching students who are deaf and hard of hearing. One of the classes was an introduction to communication disorders and focused on Audiology. I was hooked! I loved the science and the medical side of audiology.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Our patients. I love that I can be in a medical field and help patients hear better. We are able to spend a lot of time with our patients and get to know them and their families. What a gift it is to be a part of people’s lives and improve the quality of their life with technology that does not require a surgery or invasive treatments.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Different seasons of life create different opportunities. As an empty nester and now a grandparent, my children and grandchildren are a priority during any free time that I have. In addition, I love to travel. I have now visited over 40 states along with Mexico and Canada. I have a few more states to visit and then we are hoping to visit Europe to see our exchange student from Belgium. I also love to read and learn new information.
Where is the furthest place you have traveled to?
Maui. However, I am traveling to Vietnam as part of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership program in March 2026.
What is something that is on your bucket list?
Travel to Europe. I have been able to check several items off my bucket list, most of them include traveling. In October of 2025, I checked off Niagara Fals.
