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.

An admission to the hospital can be a very stressful time, no matter what the diagnosis is. While treating a patient's condition, I believe education and communication is very important. I enjoy spending time with my patients and their family, discussing their condition, and developing a treatment plan. Outside of work, my biggest joy is my family. 

Developing healthy, trusting relationships with my patients is a passion of mine. Preventative medicine is key to a long, healthy life. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my french bulldog, Lilo, playing video games, hiking, traveling, and kayaking.

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.

With my role in healthcare I want to ensure that patients feel well informed and comfortable making decisions about their care.

I enjoy being able to work with patients from a variety of different back grounds and help them through their hospital stay. I want patients to feel informed and included in their health care decisions. Outside of work I enjoy doing anything to move my body from rock climbing and skiing to running and strength training.