Get to Know our New PA-C, Stephen Harris

Barbour Community Health Association  is pleased to announce the addition of Stephen Harris, PA-C, to our dedicated staff. Stephen Harris will serve as one of eight Physician Assistants caring for our patients. Read on to learn more.

What is the title and role of your current position at Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA)? 

I am a Physician Assistant.

What was your previous role, prior to joining BCHA? 

Physician Assistant at Grafton City Hospital, as well as a Professor at Alderson Broaddus University.

Can you briefly describe the responsibilities and duties associated with being a Certified Physician Assistant? 

Providing Acute Care and the Management of Chronic Medical Conditions across the patient lifespan.

Does your previous experience and skill set align with the requirements of this role? 

Yes it does, I have been doing this for 22 years. 

What excites you the most about your new position? 

Getting the chance to move back to my home county to provide care to the community that I grew up in excites me the most about this new position. 

How do you envision your new position contributing to the BCHA’s overall goals and objectives?

 Providing acute and chronic care in a compassionate manner.

Can you share any specific healthcare interests that you hope to work on as a PA-C (i.e., diabetes, adolescent mental health, etc)? 

Working with Diabetic Patients is something that I definitely kind of like;  takin

g care of them. Preventative medicine, and geriatric care as well. At my last position, I took care of about 25 nursing home-like patients. 

What are some of your immediate goals and priorities in your new role? 

My first immediate goal is to build a family practice here. Changing from my already established family practice at my previous job and coming somewhere new. Additionally, it sounds like most providers prefer to provide acute care rather than chronic care. 

Why did you choose a career in the healthcare industry? 

To provide care and preventative care to keep people from (being diagnosed with) some of the things I see now such as congestive heart failure and heart disease. 

What is your educational background? Please elaborate. 

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Alderson Broaddus University (ABU) in 1994, a Medical Science Bachelor’s Degree from ABU in 2001, a Masters in Medical SCience – Primary Care Track from ABU in 2005, and a Masters in Medical Science – Hospital Track from ABU in 2006. 

What are key challenges that you feel healthcare providers face? 

Being in a rural community, I believe some challenges are patient follow-ups – partly due to lack of transportation. Patient compliance with medications, and the impact that insurances have on what and/or how we practice. 

Why do you choose (to work at) Barbour Community Health Association? 

Part of it is moving back to the community, I wanted to be closer to my new home. My brother works for BCHA as well, plus, when I was growing up, the Belington Clinic was the clinic that I went to. 

Can you share any personal information with the community?

I am married, no children. My hobbies are golf, but mostly I work. 

We are so excited for Stephen to step into the role of Physician Assistant. Patients can see Stephen at our Myers Clinic site.