My philosophy is to develop an ongoing patient-physician relationship focused on comprehensive health care incorporating preventative care, chronic disease management, and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries.

As a family doctor, I am dedicated to treating the whole person. I aim to develop long-term relationships to understand each patient, and to provide continuing health care for the individual and family. I integrate care for patients of all genders and every age from newborns to seniors, and I advocate for the patient in our complex health care system. I have had the fortune to work as a general practitioner in New Zealand which allowed me to gain insight into alternative health care systems and approaches to preventative care and disease management. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and reading.

It has been my privilege to practice medicine and to have made a difference in the lives of my patients over the past 21 years. I enjoy the challenges of practicing internal medicine in a hospital setting and working as part of a team with our excellent hospitalist providers, consultants, nursing and ancillary staff. I served as Medical Director of the Hospitalist Department from 2009-2015 and am proud to say that we have an amazing program with dedicated clinicians who genuinely enjoy the care of hospitalized patients and are committed to excellence in their every day work. I enjoy giving back by participating in the Pan Mass Challenge which raises critical funds for cancer research and the Multiple Sclerosis cycling events. I enjoy boating, hiking and camping, and long distance bicycling and, most importantly, spending time with my family.

My goal is to provide patients with a deep understanding of their problem and work together to get the best results possible. 

What I love about orthopedic surgery is the ability to make a profound impact on the quality of life of my patients. No two shoulders are the same, so I think it is crucial to spend time talking with patients to understand their presentation and come up with a treatment plan. Technology is ever evolving and I think it is important to integrate that into my practice to ensure great outcomes. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and going to the beach.

Every patient has unique challenges and circumstance of their disease.  My goal is to provide expert care that is tailored to the patient and their family's needs.  Using advanced and proven minimally invasive techniques such as thoracoscopy, robotic and endolumenal treatments, my goal is to minimize pain and accelerate the recovery process so that patients can return to their normal lives.  For patients with cancer, a thorough workup and expedited care is important in getting treated correctly.  Lung cancer, esophageal cancer, thymomas and mediastinal cancers can be difficult to navigate.  I will shepard patients and families through the tests, consultations, and treatments needed so that patients always know that they are being cared for.  For patients with esophageal conditions such as reflux, hiatal hernias, diverticular disease, achalasia, etc., there are minimally invasive surgical options that can provide excellent symptom relief and improve the quality of their lives.  In addition, I treat the multitude of thoracic diseases including thoracic outlet issues, hyperhydrosis, chest wall disorders such as pectus, metastatic cancer issues, end stage cancer surgical therapy among others. 

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.