This week is Physician Associates week (PAs), and we are proud to highlight the vital role they play in providing compassionate, high-quality care in our community. PAs diagnose illnesses, manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as primary care providers at LCHC. They are known for their patient-centered approach, emphasizing communication, empathy, and education to help individuals manage their health. Versatility and expertise allow them to practice across a wide range of specialties, from primary care to urgent care and beyond.
Here, we highlight three of our PAs: Nicole McKenzie, PA-C, Sarah Kingston, PA-C, and Bryan Woodward, PA-C.
Nicole McKenzie, PA-C
Urgent Care Team Medical Director
Nicole had known she wanted to work in medicine since childhood. 
After working at Boston Children’s Hospital, she was inspired by the work of PAs and the flexibility the profession offered. “Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a medical provider. I also highly valued the career flexibility that comes with being a PA, and decided to pursue a career as a PA.” Her connection to LCHC started over 11 years ago during a student rotation in Urgent Care. “It was the most rewarding rotation I did as a student. I loved the interactions with patients and felt like I made a daily impact.” Nicole joined the team before she even graduated and has been part of LCHC ever since. Today, she balances patient care with administrative duties and values the collaborative environment. “My typical day involves direct patient care in Urgent Care mixed with other administrative duties. I truly appreciate the scope of practice that LCHC supports for PAs. We are allowed to work at the top of our licenses, which is very rewarding. The collaborative environment allows us to grow our clinical skills every day.”
She also enjoys the patients themselves.
“Many of our patients are friendly and grateful for the services LCHC offers. We go into healthcare to make positive impacts in the lives of others, and I get to see that work done every day.”
For Nicole, remarkable care means thinking about the whole patient — medical needs, social needs, and everything in between.
“Community health centers go above and beyond to meet patients where they are. That is what makes this work so meaningful.” Nicole is proud of the growth she has witnessed at LCHC. “In the past 10 years, I have seen a significant increase in patient volume and LCHC working to expand to meet those patient needs. I see the role of PAs as important in continuing to provide access to care as part of the LCHC medical provider team.” What helps her feel supported in her role? “My medical colleagues are always willing to review a clinical case and offer guidance. That support has allowed me to grow, and now I want to be that support for other providers who are starting their careers.”
Sarah Kingston, PA-C
Primary Care (Blue Team) & Urgent Care
Before becoming a PA, Sarah was a high school physics teacher. 
Many students came to her with questions about their health, and she realized she could make an even bigger impact as a trusted healthcare provider.
“Prior to PA school, I worked as a high school physics teacher. Many students were coming to me with questions about their health because they did not have access to a trusted health care provider. I realized that I could have an important impact on the trajectory of people’s lives if I could be the trusted healthcare provider to guide them in making healthy decisions.”
Sarah joined LCHC in 2022. “I graduated from PA school in 2020. Starting out at the peak of the pandemic made it difficult to find the right position, but I knew I wanted to work at a community health center, so I joined LCHC when the opportunity arose.” No two days are the same — she might see well visits and physicals, or manage complex urgent cases for patients who are new to the U.S. or haven’t had care in years. “Every day is different. In Primary Care, I could see 7-8 physicals or Well Child Checks, or have more ‘social’ visits with patients who need less medical attention and more SDOH support. In Urgent Care, it could be high acuity patients sent to the hospital via EMS or diagnosing Hand Foot and Mouth Disease all day long.” Sarah is proud of the collaborative work she does.
“Collaborating with the Advanced Practice Providers in Urgent Care makes me really proud to be part of this team. We manage some of the most complex patients at the health center who often don’t have a PCP, and together we help get people back on track.” Sarah also contributes to improving care and supporting other providers. “I was part of the initial Access 2.0 model, which changed our schedule template for PAs to allow more autonomy and better access for patients. I continue to advocate for new providers, lengthier and hands-on onboarding, and precept PA students to engage them in community health work and teach them the compassionate care we provide.” She feels empowered by her coworkers. “The staff at LCHC is a fabulous team. I know I can ask questions or brainstorm treatment options with any of my coworkers. It is reassuring to know that I am never alone supporting a complex patient.” For Sarah, remarkable care means going above and beyond for the whole patient.
“Working at a CHC is meaningful, necessary work. Seeing patients’ health improve is a reminder of the impact we make every day.”
Bryan Woodward, PA-C
Deborah Smith Walsh Recuperative Care Center / Medical Outreach Program
Bryan’s inspiration came while working as a medical assistant at MGH, 
seeing how PAs contributed to surgical care. “I used to work as a medical assistant in orthopedics. Seeing the great and vital work of the PAs in the surgical team inspired me.” He joined LCHC in 2021 at the Recuperative Care Center and the Medical Outreach Program. “I had a friend working at LCHC who recommended I apply when a position opened up. It will be four years in late March.” At the RCC, Bryan’s days resemble those in a hospital inpatient setting, with rounds, chart review, huddles, and outreach.
“My work includes reviewing charts, team huddles, rounding on RCC patients, making calls, and medical outreach. They are generally very humble and appreciative. It is nice to help those who appreciate the work you do.”
Bryan values the sense of community in his role.
“The feeling of being truly embedded into the community. It has a familial feeling that makes it especially rewarding and fulfilling.”
Happy Physician Associates Week!
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