As the Medical Director of Addiction Medicine at South Shore Health, I work to tackle the defining medical challenge of our time: Substance use and alcohol use disorder.

In addition to seeing adult patients at South Shore Hospital, I work with colleagues across South Shore Health to develop and implement a comprehensive addiction medicine treatment program. This program will connect patients with the resources they need to manage substance use disorder, no matter if they come to us through the Emergency Department, primary care, or another setting. Additionally, I serve as Medical Director for Spectrum Health System's opioid treatment program, ATS/detox, CSS, and therapeutic community in Weymouth.

Prior to my work at South Shore Health, I helped launch the Bridge Clinic at Boston Medical Center, which connected patients with treatment options for substance use disorder. I also served as Medical Director for Spectrum Health Systems’ Opioid Treatment Program in Weymouth.

In my spare time, I enjoy baseball, reading fiction, snowboarding, and cooking.

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.

It is a privilege to help people,and manage and coordinate exceptional patient care in the hospital. I believe that everyone's medical care should be individually tailored. We all have unique characteristics that need to be considered when deciding a treatment plan. Communication is paramount. Outside of work, I love reading and spending time with my family.

I came to medicine from the business world, and it has been incredibly rewarding to focus my energy and abilities on helping people who are acutely ill. I believe that really listening to patients and their families is the key to providing exceptional care. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young children.

My focus is to provide high quality health care and excellent communication with my patients. 

I have worked clinically as a PA since 2014 in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, clinics, and subacute rehabs. This has provided me a deeper understanding of the healthcare system and the trajectory of the patient experience across multiple healthcare settings. Outside of work, I love music, traveling, and food.

My mission is to educate patients on their health conditions and provide personalized care to patients and their families.

I am passionate about providing the best possible care to patients. Entering the hospital can be a scary and stressful time for patients and their families. As a provider, I hope to ease this transition and cater to patient’s physical and emotional needs. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, exercising, and spending time with my family.

I enjoy taking care of my patients and including their families and the entire treatment team in the process. 

A hospitalization is often wrought with difficult news and decisions; it is my honor to care for patients at these times. I enjoy working with a care team, to deliver high-quality care. Above all, I try to foster sincere relationships with patients, focusing on what is most important to each person.   

I have had the pleasure of practicing in surgical specialties in community-based hospitals over the last several years. I love working in community hospitals because it is small enough to give patients personalized care but also large enough to provide the best specialized care. Outside of work, I enjoy baking, taking care of my chickens and hiking.

My philosophy is to always take the time to listen to the patient's concerns and do my best to address them.