Dr. Christopher Cannell is a doctoral-trained Physician Associate with over 22 years of multidisciplinary clinical experience in Emergency Medicine (CAQ-EM), Orthopedics, Critical Care, and Internal Medicine. He is nationally recognized for his leadership and expertise in healthcare quality, patient safety, and risk mitigation.  He is a frequent invited speaker on Provider Clinical Risk Management and a blogger for medical liability companies on these critical topics.

Dr. Cannell is a successful entrepreneur leading a six-figure consulting firm where he also trains and encourages other healthcare provider entrepreneurs to explore their passions, niches, and grow their own business.

Dr. Cannell has held key leadership positions including current President of PAs in Legal Medicine, Board of Directors for the Academy of Doctoral PAs and previously with Massachusetts Association of PAs, and Board Advisor for the SCUHS Doctor of Medical Science program. He has led clinical teams as an APC Director, Department Lead, healthcare system, program manager and thought leader and Chair of APC career letter committee, driving innovation in quality improvement, documentation, onboarding, population management, operations, and value-based care initiatives across health systems.  Created POCUS acute care program for PAs and NPs at the largest community hospital in Massachusetts in alignment with the department ultrasound director. 

Dr. Cannell is an experienced medical professional legal consultant (MPLC) and expert witness, certified through Auburn University and The Center for Legal Studies. He has over 8 years of experience providing expert witness and consulting services focused on clinical risk assessment, discovery, and standard of care.  His collaborative consulting work spans clinicians, legal teams, malpractice insurance consultants, executives, AI technology, and life sciences organizations.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Cannell serves as Assistant Professor Doctor of Medical Science Program at The University of Lynchburg, current adjunct faculty for the Doctor of Medical Science Program at Marshall B. Ketchum University and also previously with South College (Healthcare Law & Policy), and currently for Northeastern University School of Medical Sciences PA Program, and the Tufts School of Medicine PA Program. He is a subject matter expert in generative AI development, educational consulting for early career and transitional career NPs and PA’s, and interprofessional collaboration to advance the Quadruple Aim.

Dr. Cannell completed leadership training in Just Culture, High Reliability, as well as patient safety through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). He earned his DMSc from the University of Lynchburg, MPAS from MCPHS–Boston, and BA in Pre-Medical Studies and Psychology from Muhlenberg College. He has done additional leadership training from AAPA from The Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management.

My objective is to help my patients manage and maintain their physical and mental health. 

I truly enjoy working with and helping my patients to be their healthiest versions of themselves. I enjoy the long-term relationships that I have developed. it is important to me to take the time to listen, communicate, and build trust with my patients. 

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, lifting weights, and spending time with my friends and family.  

My mission is to provide compassionate and effective care to treat patients in critical moments in order to ensure the best possible outcomes through prompt intervention and evidence-based practices.

I completed residency at Boston Medical Center. I believe in providing evidence-based and compassionate care at all times and in honest and open communication with my patients about their condition and treatment. Outside of work, I enjoy rock climbing and spending time outdoors and with my family.

My goal is to communicate effectively with patients so they have the understanding to make informed decisions for their own health. It is very humbling to work in a field that involves caring for others. I am continually inspired by my patients and the ability grow a patient-provider relationship over time.  As health care professionals, patients are the focal point of all that we do. Outside of work I enjoy being active outdoors, playing piano, and spending time with loved ones. 

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.