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.

Board Certification: Radiation Oncology, 2013

Fellowship: Harvard Palliative Medicine Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Massachusetts General Hospital, Palliative Medicine

Residency: Harvard Combined Medicine-Pediatrics Program, Internal Medicine Northwestern University, Radiation Oncology

Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine

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.