EDWARDS -- Family nurse practitioner (FNP) Andrew LaFrance is joining FNP Laurie Brown in Gouverneur Hospital’s Edwards Health Center and began seeing patients today.

Meanwhile physician assistant Ronald E. Simmons resumed his practice in Gouverneur Hospital’s DeKalb Health Center today.

“Both Mr. LaFrance and Mr. Simmons are long-time practitioners in the area and have built a following among patients as far as Tupper Lake,” according to Gouverneur Hospital CEO Marlinda L. LaValley. “We’re thrilled they’ll be serving our patients’ needs in DeKalb and Edwards,” she said.

FNP LaFrance most recently practiced in Gouverneur and in Canton. He has a background in family health and emergency medicine and received his advanced-practice nursing degree at Community General Hospital, Syracuse.

PA Simmons has a background in emergency medicine and family health. He earned his physician assistant credentials from Albany Medical College, Albany, and is board certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) .

Those wishing to make an appointment to see FNP LaFrance should contact the Edwards Health Center at 562-1055. For an appointment with PA Simmons, interested individuals should call the DeKalb Health Center at 347-3830.