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 mission is to guide and empower patients as active participants in their care to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent disease throughout their lifespan.

As a Primary Care NP, having the ability to form lasting relationships with my patients is what I find especially unique and rewarding. I highly value a holistic approach to patient care, as I believe comprehensive health expands beyond the physical aspects. I want to work together with each patient, since more successful outcomes are achieved through a mutually agreed upon and individualized plan. I like to practice what I preach by living a healthy, active lifestyle outside of work that includes running, yoga, hiking, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

My mission is to relieve pain and suffering by healing patients' wounds as fast as possible.

I have been practicing plastic surgery with an emphasis on complex wounds since 1999.  In addition to providing advanced wound care, surgical treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, I am passionate about educating the next generation of physicians and participating in research that will transform the science of wound care. As the Research Director, I coordinate and lead clinical trials of potential new wound  therapies, providing the opportunity for our patients to participate in their own community.

I chose family medicine so that I could treat a wide spectrum of medical conditions and so that I could treat all ages, including newborns and multiple generations, in one family. This helps me to treat the whole person because knowing a person's social background is essential. I firmly believe that emotional and mental well-being are key factors in maintaining good overall health.

I grew up in Quincy and love living and working near my family and friends. I enjoy spending time at the beach, traveling to exotic places, going out dancing, skiing, cooking/baking, and following Boston sports teams.

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!