October 6-12 is National Physician Assistant Week, which recognizes all physician assistants (PAs), their contributions to their teams, and the medical community as a whole. Physician assistants, like doctors, provide direct patient care by diagnosing and treating patient conditions. 90 percent of adults across the nation say that PAs are their trusted healthcare providers (source).

There are currently 13 physician assistants that are providing care to patients across all Neighborhood Health Center locations. Gregg Shutts, EdD, PA-C, DFAAPA, has been a physician assistant for 28 years, and has been an important part of Neighborhood’s pediatrics team for 10 years. He currently sees patients at Neighborhood Health Center Mattina (300 Niagara Street). 

“Becoming a PA was an opportunity to practice medicine in primary care, while still being able to participate in governance and education,” said Gregg. 

A significant aspect in the role of a PA is patient education. Providing quality care goes beyond your visit at Neighborhood. PAs prioritize educating patients on their diagnosis, what it means for their daily life, why certain treatments are chosen, and the ways patients can improve their health on their own. 

Advocacy plays an important part in our mission at Neighborhood, as well as for health centers across the country. Policymakers have the power to influence the funding for accessible, affordable health care, and other programs that impact the social determinants of health in their communities. As an undergraduate student, Gregg minored in political science. He explains that his involvement in policy and law has always been a part of his career. Right now, he is a member of the NYS Board of Medicine, an accreditation specialist for the ARC-PA, and a PA case reviewer for the VA’s Office of Medical Legal Affairs. 

Gregg acknowledges the close relationships that he has developed, with parents who trust him to provide primary care to their children, as the best part of his job. At Neighborhood, we believe in a kind, compassionate, comprehensive, patient-centered, holistic approach for all regardless of level of opportunity or current circumstances. 

Thank you to all of our PAs for your kind care!

We are accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call us at 716-875-2904. If you're already a patient, you can use the patient portal at nhcwny.org to request an appointment.