Leanne Carter, MPAS, PA-C, found her way into the field of medicine naturally. Her grandfather was a family medicine provider in Memphis and her mother has been an APRN for nearly 30 years. “They are my greatest inspiration. Having the two of them as role models only set me up for success. Watching the positive influences that my grandfather and mother made in their communities gave me the drive to do the same.” And fortunately, for Southeast Arkansas, Leanne has chosen Jefferson Regional Family Health Associates – Watson Chapel for the location of her practice.
The clinic offers comprehensive healthcare services for patients of all ages. “Physician Assistants are versatile and collaborative. We diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. We are trained around the same model as a physician’s and we practice in every state and every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality,” Leanne explains.
PA education and practice emphasize patient education, preventive care, and chronic care management. Their generalist medical training enables them to provide a wide spectrum of patient care and to treat the whole patient. “During an appointment with a PA working in cardiology, in addition to discussing the patient’s heart issues, a PA might notice a skin condition and either treat it or refer that patient to a dermatology practice. PAs make it easier for patients to get the care they need when they need it,” Leanne said.
A 2014 Harris Poll found that 92 percent of Americans who have seen a PA, or have a family member who has seen one, said it made it easier to get a medical appointment. That’s an important reason why many people will see a PA as their primary healthcare provider.
Some of the things that PA’s can do, include:
- Take medical histories
- Conduct physical exams
- Diagnose and treat illness
- Order and interpret tests
- Develop treatment plans
- Prescribe medication
- Counsel on preventive care
- Perform procedures
- Assist in surgery
- Make rounds in hospitals and nursing homes
- Do clinical research
“Working in family medicine was a goal of mine as my love is to be able to build a long-standing relationship with my patients,” Leanne said. “But I also want to be a part of all aspects of their healthcare journey.”
Leanne was born in Memphis but raised in Central Arkansas. “I went to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and received a degree in Biology. Following graduation, I attended the UAMS Physician Assistant Program and graduated in August of 2019,” Leanne explains. Her husband is a fourth-generation farmer in Stuttgart where they currently live. She is an avid Razorback fan and enjoys spending time with her husband in Hot Springs. “We look forward to being able to grow our family and be a part of bettering Southeast Arkansas,” Leanne said.
To make an appointment call Jefferson Regional Family Health Associates – Watson Chapel at (870) 541-8701. The clinic is located at 4747 Dusty Lake Drive, Suite 202.
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