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.

I joined the South Shore Hospital medical staff in 2014.  With lifelong ties to the South Shore community, I know the community well and highly value informed and timely communication among medical specialists and primary care to promote and expedite the care of my patients.

In addition to treating patients, I also teach resident doctors in training and volunteer my time with the Podiatry profession's state society.  Ensuring the growth and future of Podiatry, in a complex world of health care, are critical to meet the needs of our population.

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 focus is to provide patients with knowledge and insight into their specific health conditions.

I pride myself on taking a patient-centered approach to building effective care plans that go beyond the diagnosis of my patients. I am a certified Physician's Assistant who graduated from MCPHS University, Boston with a Master's of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS.) My previous experience is in primary care and outpatient cardiology. 

Originally from Western Massachusetts, I moved to the South Shore after graduation. I enjoy spending time with my friends, family, and puppy, Oakes. I am also an avid reader and beach-goer.