My mission is to provide patient-centered care allowing our patients to access trustworthy and well-informed care.

My personal philosophy in life is to be kind and compassionate. My background is in adult-gerontology and neurosurgery. I aim to create patient-centered relationships where my patients feel comfortable disclosing any concerns. In addition, I aim to provide open communication. Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at a local nursing home and a local food bank, and performing in an dance group in ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop. I also enjoy hiking and exploring local trails.

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.

I enjoy helping people stay healthy through preventative medicine, as well as treating both developing and ongoing health issues. I especially value getting to know my patients over time.

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! 

Communication is the single most important tool in medicine which I try to achieve every day.

In my free time I enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family.

Growing up, my mother was a registered nurse and both of my parents were very service-minded. They taught me to give back to the community.

I fell in love with Family Medicine in my first year at Tufts. I became inspired to treat patients on a psychological, cultural, and emotional level, rather than just as a series of physical medical conditions.  

I enjoy traveling. I lived in Scotland for a year during my residency, and I have traveled to Nicaragua several times to work on a variety of global health projects. While there, I learned to speak Spanish and love the opportunity to speak Spanish with patients here at home.

I enjoy cooking and trying foods from all over the world. I like tapping into my creative side as well, enjoying studio art, particularly oil painting and watercolors.

My goal is to provide compassionate and equitable medical care to patients seeking care for breast-related concerns, including but not limited to breast lumps, abnormal screening mammograms, benign breast masses, and previous or current breast cancer diagnoses. 

I am a graduate of the Tufts University School of Medicine Physician Assistant and Masters in Public Health dual degree program. I have been working at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham & Women’s Hospital Division of Breast Surgery since June 2021.

It is my priority to provide care to patients that is skilled and supportive. I strive to accommodate a patient’s unique and individual needs such that all patients feel cared for and well-informed. I have professional interests in patient-oriented outcomes research and have studied coping and psychosocial wellbeing among adolescents and young adults with cancer. I am originally from Western Massachusetts, and my hobbies include hiking, skiing, and spending with family, friends, and my dog.  

I was drawn to family medicine because joining patients on their journeys to healthier, happier lifestyles is incredibly rewarding. I strive to always provide care that is patient-centered and evidence-based in both primary care and the hospital. Outside of medicine, I love traveling and enjoying new restaurants with my wife.

My goal is to establish open communication with patients so we can work together on taking ownership of their health and wellness.

I enjoy the meaningful relationships I have built and the inspiration I draw from patients every day in clinic. A healthy dialogue is an important part of the provider-patient relationship. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, writing, and staying active outdoors.