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.

I care for women throughout their lives—from adolescence through adulthood. I especially enjoy building long-term relationships and being with my patients through each step of their lives. From routine gynecological care to preconception, pregnancy, post-partum and menopause, I am here for my patient throughout her life. I chose OB/GYN as my specialty for the diversity of practice. It involves medical care, surgical care, and delivering babies. 

My parents inspired me—my father was a surgeon and my mother a nurse. I initially wanted to forge a different path and received my bachelor’s degree in Economics. I worked in financial public relations for a short while, but I kept coming back to what really interested me: medicine. I eventually went back to medical school to pursue my true passion. Outside of work, I love being outdoors—hiking, biking, boating, paddle boarding, and snowboarding. I also love to travel and spend time with my family and beloved dog and in quieter times enjoy reading and knitting.

My personal philosophy in nursing and working in healthcare aligns with a profound quote from the book of Galatians, chapter 6 and verse 9, which says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (KJV, 1911).  This embodies the accountability, professionalism, compassion, and perseverance that I have personified in my nursing career. My Christian faith has led me in the paths of what is right and good in this world, giving me the vocation of being a healthcare provider to prove that faith through actions of kindness and care towards others.

I have dedicated my career in healthcare to the goal of improving health literacy for patients and their caregivers. I truly believe that a better understanding of health care issues, disease prevention and disease care by patients and their caregivers has a direct impact on their quality of life. I work hard to actively listen to the concerns, obstacles, and barriers my patients present and collaborate with them to prepare a plan of care.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets, am very active in supporting my church, and love to cook.