I am the Medical Director of Population Health for South Shore Health and divide my time between administration and patient care. My administrative interests include integration of care, professional development, and community centered program development. I value long-term relationships with my patients and find it a privilege to care for patients over their lifespan.

I grew up on the South Shore and attended Holy Cross for college where my concentration was pre-medical sciences and sleep research. During summers in college I worked as an EMT and following college I worked in a collaborative Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School lab studying allergy and asthma. While at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Lahey Clinic my focus was on primary care internal medicine. In 2006 I was the recipient of the “Patient Care Award” which is Lahey Clinic’s highest physician honor. I joined South Shore Medical Center in 2006.

I enjoy getting to know patients and treating the whole person. I focus on preventative care and supporting patients to reach their health goals.   

The doctor-patient relationship is at the center of your health care, and I strive to provide care that is collaborative and inclusive. I have a holistic approach, working with patients to treat the cause of medical problems, and reducing prescription medicines when it is safe to do so.   I am also pro-active, coordinating care and advocating for patients as they navigate the health care system. I enjoy caring for newborns, children, and family members of all ages, as well as helping with stress management and healthy lifestyle changes. 

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and my extra-large dog, reading, running, cooking, and playing flute, piano and guitar.  

My mission is to teach patients about health prevention and the importance of being proactive and taking active measures to mitigate the risk of future health related problems. 

It is a privilege to be able to be in a career that focuses on health prevention, maintenance, and the treatment of acute and chronic disease processes. I believe that as a nurse anesthetist we should provide our patients with the highest level of care. This care must be individualized and needs to involve the patient as an integral member of the health team. 

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Ashley, and two boys: Beckham and Preston. We enjoy traveling together and being outside. Besides my family, I enjoy reading, exercising, and playing golf/tennis. 

I really enjoy working with the pediatric population. Kids are so energetic, willing to learn and eager to challenge themselves. The beauty of pediatric primary care is that one day is never the same, every child is so unique. There is always new knowledge to gain. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, swimming, and vacationing on Cape Cod. 

My treatment philosophy is to help educate individuals on their role in disease prevention and develop relationships with patients—working as a team to manage both chronic and acute health issues. I believe that each individual has their own unique set of circumstances that influence their health and working together to overcome barriers is an essential part of providing healthcare. I consider it a privilege getting to know patients and families and always look at the big picture when caring for individuals. Outside of work I love spending time with my family, going to the beach, gardening and hiking. I am teaching myself how to ice skate so I can play hockey with my boys! 

I chose to become a primary care physician because I cherish the long-term relationships I establish with my patients. I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages and families at all stages of their lives. I believe listening is as important as speaking. I see my role as an educator, sharing my knowledge and helping patients translate that into healthy habits for the prevention and management of chronic illness. 

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling near and far with my husband and three children.

Christopher Cannell DMSc, MPAS, PA-C practiced in acute care medicine including emergency medicine, orthopedic trauma, orthopedics, and hospitalist medicine.  He focuses holistically on the whole patient with an eye on wellness.

Dr. Cannell is a Doctoral Trained Physician Associate who as over 21 years of rich experience across the spectrum of healthcare including Emergency Medicine (CAQ advanced certification), Orthopedics (Sports, Hand, Trauma, Spine, and Joints), Critical Care, Urgent Care, and both Inpatient and Outpatient Internal Medicine. Dr. Cannell has played a pivotal role in program development and management, value-based care, and population health initiatives.  His leadership experience extends to roles such as ED department Lead APC, APC Director of large ambulatory practice, Hospital System Committee Member, program innovation, and PA/NP career ladder development. His healthcare dedication transcends beyond clinical practice, encompassing PA education, advocacy, leadership, and innovation.  

Dr. Cannell received his Doctor of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg, his Master in Physician Assistant Studies from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences-Boston, and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Pre-Medical from Muhlenberg College.