Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona would like to take this time to introduce the newest member to our team, Physician Assistant (PA), Kelly Patterson! We can’t wait for you to meet her and experience all the skills and wisdom she brings to our facility.
Kelly Patterson’s Story
Kelly Patterson grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho, but completed her undergraduate degree at Utah State University, located in Logan, Utah, where she also competed as a collegiate gymnast. During her time as a gymnast, Kelly was inspired to focus on a career in the medical field by the doctors, physical therapists, and nurses, who provided her care when she was injured. After completing her undergrad, she shadowed a PA and discovered this was her calling and what she wanted to do in the future.
In between obtaining her bachelors’s and masters’s Degrees, and wanting to be closer to family, Kelly moved to Flagstaff where she worked for Prescott Hotshots as a wildland firefighter for two seasons and on the fire engine for one season before returning to school in the hopes of becoming a PA. She then achieved her goal, graduating from Idaho State University, located in Pocatello, Idaho, with her master’s of Physician Assistant Studies. “I knew I wanted to start my career as a PA in Flagstaff. It certainly feels like home, as I’ve lived here a total of 8 years now.” Kelly recalled. She is also certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Kelly was drawn to the small-town community that Flagstaff has to offer. She was attracted to Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona from what she heard about their reputations and the incredible patient outcomes. “I knew it would be a great fit!” Kelly said after meeting with the physicians in person. Not only that, but she has a sister, who lives and teaches in Flagstaff, with a 3-month-old boy. Kelly said, “Now, I’m thrilled to spend time with my new nephew.” Her personal interests include running, mountain biking, skiing, and spending time with her family.
What does it mean to be a Physician Assistant?
When asked what services a physician assistant provides, Kelly mentioned, “As a physician assistant, you often work as an extension of the physician. This can include providing patient care through post-operative visits, acting as a first assist in surgery, being available for new patient consults, and helping with rounding responsibilities at Flagstaff Medical Center.” She would like potential patients to know that “the standard for patient care is set very high by the physicians and staff at PSNA.” It is her hope “to be another example of a caring, reassuring, and informative provider for patients” new and returning.
Before joining the PSNA team, Kelly worked for three years in orthopedics, working primarily with spine surgeons, and said that “one benefit of being a PA is having the flexibility to change specialties.” She is expanding on her skills as a PA while making the smooth transition from orthopedics to plastic surgery. Kelly added, “I am loving learning a new specialty, and the physicians and staff (at PSNA) have made the transition very easy.”
Summary
Kelly has been a PA for almost four years and continues to build upon her knowledge in the field. She is familiar with, and loves, Flagstaff’s small-town atmosphere and looks forward to serving her fellow physicians to provide you with the best care in plastic surgery.
At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your skin again and increase confidence, and Kelly Patterson is an extension of that goal. To schedule an appointment for any of our procedures with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons or aestheticians contact us today at (928) 774-2300 or (800) 962-1390 for a consultation at one of our five Northern Arizona locations.
