Valdosta Family Medicine is dedicated to providing comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare services in Valdosta, Georgia. Our team of highly qualified and compassionate healthcare professionals, including both Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), are committed to ensuring you and your family receive the best possible medical care. Understanding the roles of different healthcare providers can empower you to make informed decisions about your health. This article will clarify the distinctions between Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners and introduce you to the exceptional team at Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta Ga.
Understanding Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
In today’s healthcare landscape, Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are integral to delivering quality medical care. Both professions play vital roles in patient care, often working collaboratively with physicians. While their responsibilities may overlap, their educational backgrounds and approaches to patient care differ.
What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?
Physician Assistants are licensed clinicians who practice medicine across a wide spectrum of specialties and healthcare settings. Their education is rigorously modeled after medical school curricula, equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences. PAs are trained to diagnose illnesses, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and perform various medical procedures. Working in close collaboration with physicians, PAs extend healthcare access and enhance the efficiency of medical teams, ensuring patients receive timely and effective care. The foundation of PA education is rooted in the medical model, which emphasizes the biological and pathological aspects of disease.
What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?
Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who bring a unique blend of nursing and medical expertise to healthcare. NPs are committed to providing holistic and patient-centered care, focusing not just on disease management but also on overall wellness. They are experts in health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education. NPs assess patient health, diagnose medical conditions, formulate and implement treatment plans, and prescribe medications. Their approach is grounded in the nursing model, which prioritizes the patient’s experience of health and illness, considering the physical, psychological, emotional, and social dimensions of well-being. NPs often specialize in specific patient populations, such as family, pediatrics, or women’s health, allowing them to develop deep expertise in addressing the unique needs of these groups.
PA vs. NP: Key Differences in Approach
While both PAs and NPs are highly skilled healthcare providers capable of delivering a wide range of medical services, their fundamental training models lead to distinct approaches in patient care.
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Medical Model (PAs): PAs are trained using the medical model, mirroring the education of physicians. This model emphasizes a disease-centered approach, focusing on the pathophysiology of illness. PAs excel in diagnosing and treating diseases by utilizing testing, clinical evaluations, and medical interventions. They often specialize in specific medical areas such as surgery, cardiology, or emergency medicine, becoming experts in managing particular disease categories.
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Nursing Model (NPs): NPs are educated through the nursing model, which centers on the patient’s overall well-being. This model prioritizes a holistic approach, considering the patient’s physical health in the context of their emotional, social, and lifestyle factors. NPs focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education, empowering individuals to actively participate in their care. They frequently specialize in patient populations, such as family practice, pediatrics, or geriatrics, tailoring their care to the specific needs of these groups across the lifespan.
Ultimately, both PAs and NPs are valuable members of the healthcare team, and the best choice for a patient often depends on individual preferences and the specific healthcare setting. At Valdosta Family Medicine, we are proud to have both PAs and NPs on our team, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive approach to your family’s healthcare needs in Valdosta, GA.
Meet Our Dedicated Team at Valdosta Family Medicine
Valdosta Family Medicine is staffed by a team of experienced and compassionate Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners, all dedicated to providing exceptional care to our patients in Valdosta and the surrounding communities. Get to know our providers:
Physician Assistants at Valdosta Family Medicine
Alt text: Wendy Copeland PA-C, smiling portrait, Valdosta Family Medicine provider, Valdosta GA
Wendy Copeland, PA-C – Dr. Smith’s Team
Wendy Palen Copeland is a board-certified Physician Assistant with a strong connection to the region, originally from Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Since 2009, Wendy has been committed to providing excellent patient care. She holds a Bachelor of Chemistry from Valdosta State University and a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from South University in Savannah. Prior to joining Valdosta Family Medicine in 2009, Wendy honed her skills as a PA specializing in general, vascular, and thoracic surgery at Archbold Hospital. Her medical interests are broad, encompassing teenage mental health, migraine management, women’s health, preventive wellness exams, and general medicine. Outside of her dedication to Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA, Wendy enjoys quality time with her family – her husband Nick, daughter Caroline, and son Collier.
Alt text: Matthew Thomas PA-C, professional headshot, Valdosta Family Medicine physician assistant, Valdosta Georgia
Matthew Thomas, PA-C – Dr. Bishop’s Team
Matthew Thomas brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to service to Valdosta Family Medicine. Born in San Diego, CA, Matthew served in the United States Air Force for ten years as a dental technician before being selected for the Physician Assistant Program. He earned his Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska and served as a Physician Assistant in the Air Force for over a decade, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Matthew joined Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA in September 2011 and has been a valued member of our team ever since. Matthew is married to Amy, and they are proud parents to five children: Brianna, Jacob, Maggie, Hannah, and Hayden.
Alt text: Allie Vogel PA-C, smiling portrait, Valdosta Family Medicine healthcare provider, Valdosta GA
Allie Vogel, PA-C – Dr. Bennett’s Team
Allison (Allie) Vogel is a nationally certified Physician Assistant who joined Valdosta Family Medicine in 2021. With experience as a PA since 2014, Allie brings significant expertise to our practice. Originally from Northeast Wisconsin, she earned her undergraduate degree in Medical Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and her Master of Medical Sciences in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Allie’s background includes working in various Urgent Care settings across the country and experience as a military spouse, providing her with a unique understanding of diverse patient populations and their healthcare needs. At Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA, Allie is dedicated to providing top-tier patient care. In her free time, Allie enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Alt text: Charles Watts PA-C, formal portrait, Physician Assistant at Valdosta Family Medicine, Valdosta Georgia
Charles Watts, PA-C – Dr. Bishop’s Team
Charles Watts Jr. is a dedicated Physician Assistant with a distinguished background. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Charles served in the U.S. Army for 22 years after high school, including four deployments to Afghanistan and training in Russian Language and Special Forces. Following his military service, Charles graduated with honors from Valdosta State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in chemistry. He then obtained a Master of Medical Science from Emory University. Charles joined Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA as a Physician Assistant in January 2016, bringing his commitment to service and his extensive medical knowledge to our patients.
Nurse Practitioners at Valdosta Family Medicine
Alt text: Kimberly Bennett FNP-C, professional portrait, Nurse Practitioner Valdosta Family Medicine, Valdosta Georgia
Kimberly Bennett, FNP-C – Dr. Pierce’s Team
Kim Bennett is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Kim is a graduate of Bainbridge High School and has been a resident of Homerville, GA since 2002. She earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from South University in 2009 and a Master of Science in Nursing from South University in 2022. Kim’s extensive 15-year nursing career includes a focus on acute emergency medicine, ICU, and NICU. She joined Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA in August 2023, bringing her wealth of experience in critical care to our family practice. Kim enjoys spending time with her husband Will and their children.
Alt text: Pollyanna Boykin FNP-BC, smiling headshot, Family Nurse Practitioner Valdosta Family Medicine, Valdosta GA
Pollyanna Boykin, FNP-BC – Dr. Williams’ Team
Pollyanna M. Boykin is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Pollyanna’s connection to Valdosta began when her family moved from Illinois to the area in 1989 when her father was stationed at Moody Air Force Base. She graduated from Lowndes High School in 1990 and obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University. Pollyanna gained experience as an ICU registered nurse at South Georgia Medical Center before pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner track at the University of Florida, graduating in 2000. She joined Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA in 2014, bringing her extensive experience in north Florida primary care to our practice. Pollyanna has one son, Benjamin, and enjoys running, reading, family time, and cheering for the Valdosta State Blazers and Florida Gators.
Alt text: Hunter Clanton FNP-C, friendly portrait, Nurse Practitioner at Valdosta Family Medicine, Valdosta Georgia
Hunter Clanton, FNP-C – Dr. Bishop’s Team
Hunter Clanton is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and a graduate of Berrien High School. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University in 2018. Hunter worked as a Registered Nurse in the SGMC Emergency Department for five years, earning certifications in Emergency Nursing and Trauma Nursing Instruction. He returned to Valdosta State University to obtain his Master of Science in Nursing in 2022, graduating at the top of his class. Hunter joined Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA in 2022 and is dedicated to providing excellent care to his patients. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, weightlifting, golfing, hunting, and is an avid football fan, supporting the Georgia Bulldogs and Denver Broncos.
Alt text: Luke Collins FNP-C, approachable headshot, Family Nurse Practitioner Valdosta GA, Valdosta Family Medicine
Luke Collins, FNP-C – Dr. Williams’ Team
Luke Collins is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who relocated to Valdosta in 2015. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Valdosta State University in 2017. Luke began his nursing career in the South Georgia Medical Center’s Emergency Department. While working in the ER, he pursued his Master of Science in Nursing at Georgia Southwestern State University. During his clinical rotations, including several at Valdosta Family Medicine, Luke decided to establish his career at Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA. He received his Master’s degree in May 2023 and joined our practice in June 2023. In his free time, Luke enjoys spending time with his family, friends, two dogs, and watching Georgia football.
Alt text: Jennifer Flake FNP-C, warm smile portrait, Valdosta Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Valdosta Georgia
Jennifer Flake, FNP-C – Dr. Pierce’s Team
Jennifer Flake is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. A graduate of Tift County High in 2006, she received her RN from ABAC in 2011 and moved to Hahira in 2014. Jennifer worked as a Registered Nurse in the medical/surgical ICU at SGMC before earning her Master of Science degree in Nursing from Valdosta State University in 2021. Jennifer joined Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA in 2021 and is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care. She enjoys spending time with her husband, Nick, and their children.
Alt text: Anna Grant FNP-C, caring portrait, Valdosta Family Medicine healthcare professional, Valdosta GA
Anna Grant, FNP-C – Dr. Bennett’s Team
Anna Vaggalis Grant is a Family Nurse Practitioner who joined Valdosta Family Medicine in September 2018. She is board-certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and an alumna of Lanier County High School and Valdosta State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015. Anna worked as a Registered Nurse in the Cardiac Progressive Unit at South Georgia Medical Center and as Patient Care Coordinator at SGMC-Lanier Campus. She obtained her Master of Science-Family Nurse Practitioner degree from South University in 2018. Anna’s personal experience as a breast cancer survivor deeply informs her patient care, making her passionate about preventative health screenings and empathetic to patient concerns. At Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA, Anna is dedicated to providing compassionate and insightful care. Outside of work, Anna enjoys reading, church, serving others, family time, and kayaking with her husband and son.
Alt text: Ashlyn Hancock FNP-C, friendly headshot, Nurse Practitioner at Valdosta Family Medicine in Valdosta Georgia
Ashlyn Hancock, FNP-C – Dr. Bennett’s Team
Ashlyn Hancock is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. A proud graduate of Clinch County High School and Valdosta State University, she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2018, graduating as the top BSN graduate of the VSU College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Ashlyn gained experience as a registered nurse in the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit at South Georgia Medical Center for three years. She returned to Valdosta State University for her Master’s of Science in Nursing, completing her training at Valdosta Family Medicine. Ashlyn officially joined Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA in November 2021 and is committed to providing outstanding patient care. She enjoys family time, her dog Brodie, and supporting her husband’s coaching activities.
Alt text: Christopher Poore FNP-C, professional portrait, Family Nurse Practitioner Valdosta Family Medicine, Valdosta GA
Christopher Poore, FNP-C – Dr. Smith’s Team
Chris Poore is an experienced Nurse Practitioner with a passion for compassionate and comprehensive healthcare, beginning his journey in 2008. Driven by a desire to make a difference, he pursued his education as a nurse practitioner and graduated in 2022. Chris has worked in diverse healthcare settings, gaining a deep understanding of various treatments and conditions. He focuses on family medicine and emergency medicine, allowing him to care for patients across all ages and backgrounds at Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA. Outside of his professional life, Chris cherishes time with his wife and children.
Alt text: Kayla Schroepfer FNP-C, smiling portrait, Nurse Practitioner Valdosta Georgia, Valdosta Family Medicine
Kayla Schroepfer, FNP-C – Dr. Smith’s Team
Kayla Schroepfer earned a Master of Science degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from South University. Since beginning her healthcare career in 2013, Kayla has been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families. Her areas of interest within family medicine include pediatrics, women’s health, mental health, and occupational health, as well as comprehensive care for both acute and chronic conditions at Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA. Outside of her professional commitments, Kayla values time with her family, traveling, sports, and music. She is passionate about empowering patients to achieve their health and wellness goals.
Alt text: Kimberly Snow FNP-BC, professional headshot, Valdosta Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner, Valdosta GA
Kimberly Snow, FNP-BC – Dr. Pierce’s Team
Kim Snow is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Valdosta State University in 1997 and a Master of Science degree in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner track from Florida State University in 2000. Kim’s experience includes working as a Registered Nurse in dialysis and emergency medicine in Thomasville, GA. Kim joined Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA with 17 years of experience in primary care, mental health, and emergency medicine. She enjoys family time, college football, and saltwater fishing.
Alt text: Blake Taylor FNP-C, approachable portrait, Family Nurse Practitioner in Valdosta Georgia, Valdosta Family Medicine
Blake Taylor, FNP-C – Dr. Smith’s Team
Blake Taylor is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in healthcare since 2011. He graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2017 and has dedicated his career to improving patient health and well-being. With significant experience in emergency room care, Blake brings valuable knowledge to his role in family practice at Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA. He is passionate about the comprehensive nature of family practice and building meaningful patient relationships. Blake is particularly interested in managing hypertension, diabetes, and promoting men’s health. He finds great reward in seeing the positive impact he has on his patients’ lives. Outside of work, Blake enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters.
Alt text: Brandy Van Jura FNP-C, friendly headshot, Nurse Practitioner Valdosta Family Medicine, Valdosta GA
Brandy Van Jura, FNP-C – Dr. Williams’ Team
Brandy Van Jura is a Family Nurse Practitioner with deep roots in the Valdosta area, originally from Hahira, GA and a graduate of Lowndes High School. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University in 2001, graduating with honors. Brandy worked at Emory University Hospital for five years, specializing in liver and kidney transplant patient care. She obtained her Masters of Science degree from Georgia State University in 2006 and returned to Valdosta to join Valdosta Family Medicine Valdosta GA. Her areas of interest include women’s health and wellness exams. Brandy is married to Matthew Van Jura and has one daughter.
Conclusion
Choosing the right healthcare provider is a crucial decision for you and your family. At Valdosta Family Medicine, we offer a diverse team of highly qualified Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive care. Whether you need a routine check-up, management of a chronic condition, or urgent medical attention, our team is here to serve you in Valdosta, GA. We are committed to building lasting relationships with our patients and empowering you to achieve optimal health and wellness.
Schedule your appointment with Valdosta Family Medicine today and experience the difference patient-centered care can make.
