X

New physician assistant begins work at DeKalb Junction Health Center

Posted 7/9/13

DEKALB JUNCTION – A new physician assistant starts Monday, July 27 as a full-time primary care practitioner in E. J. Noble Hospital’s DeKalb Junction Health Center. Ronald Simmons began his …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

New physician assistant begins work at DeKalb Junction Health Center

Posted

DEKALB JUNCTION – A new physician assistant starts Monday, July 27 as a full-time primary care practitioner in E. J. Noble Hospital’s DeKalb Junction Health Center.

Ronald Simmons began his career in family practice, also providing coverage to the emergency room, in-patient floors, and operating room, at Clifton-Fine Hospital in Star Lake.

He then provided care in the federal correctional system in Ray Brook and at Mercy Healthcare Center, before moving to the Tupper Lake Health Care Center. In 2006, Mr. Simmons joined the Madrid Health Care Center in Madrid.

In both Tupper Lake and Madrid, he provided total patient care including counseling, patient education, diagnostic testing and interpretation, and referrals for specialist care.

“Mr. Simmons brings over thirty years of experience as a family practitioner in a variety of settings,” said E. J. Noble Hospital CEO Marlinda L. LaValley. “His care will provide an important link to services at the hospital and for specialty care referrals as needed,” she said. “Mr. Simmons will be one of the keys to providing a solid primary care foundation to the people of DeKalb Junction and surrounding communities,” she said.

Simmons received his physician assistant certification from Albany Medical College and is board certified by the National Commission on the Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Since 1991, Simmons has also served as the health officer for the town of Altamont and the village of Tupper Lake.

A veteran of the Vietnam conflict, Simmons trained as a combat medic and served as a company commander in combat as well as in the medical arena.

While at Clifton-Fine Hospital, he assisted in the reorganization and renovation of the emergency room, established the emergency department’s protocol for management of mass-casualty events, and provided supervision to medical students on alternate rotations.

For an appointment at the DeKalb Health Center, 709 E. DeKalb Rd., people may call 347-3830.