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.

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 teach patients how better health habits can prevent many diseases.  

It is a privilege to help people and establish long-term relationships with my patients. I believe that everyone's medical care should be individually tailored. We all have unique characteristics that need to be considered when deciding a treatment plan. Communication is paramount. Outside of work, I love rock climbing and surfing; however, most importantly I love spending time with my family.

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. 

My treatment philosophy is to establish good rapport with patients during their difficult moments, and to focus on shared decision-making while working on treatment plans and management of acute issues.

I have been practicing medicine for more than 20 years now. I like communicating with patients while focusing on their medical issues and helping formulate plans to meet the treatment needs. Apart from medicine, I enjoy spending time with my two boys, cooking and baking. I am an avid nature lover and enjoy hiking. Exploring new places brings me true happiness. Yoga and meditation helps me unwind after hectic days. 

Board Certification: Radiation Oncology

Residency: Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Radiation Oncology

Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine

The root of the word “doctor” originated from the latin word docere, which means to teach. My philosophy as a doctor is to teach and educate my patients on their conditions and general health.

I love to learn and, therefore, I chose being a doctor as my profession. Being a physician means a life time of learning about diseases and medicine, but more importantly, I get to learn the story behind each of my patients.

Outside of work, I love to learn to sail, and flying. I am also an avid rock climber, hiker, and traveler.