Supporting the Physicians
SENTA Partners believes that supporting affiliated physicians in providing the best care they can spans the spectrum from administrative support to clinical support. In this issue of SENTA Communiqué, we credit the highly trained mid-level providers who help the days run smoothly.
Recently, SENTA Partners brought on new physician assistants (PAs) at Piedmont ENT, whom we’ll introduce in the next issue. Below, we hear from Belinda Ferguson, PA-C, who just joined Atlanta Allergy & Asthma (AAA) in Woodstock, Georgia, in January. Her colleague, Alison Wald, PA-C, who also works at AAA, introduced her to the company.
Belinda Ferguson
From there, Ferguson says, “I was immediately drawn to everyone I interacted with. Sandra Roberson, MD, was inviting and explained how the position would offer the autonomy I hoped for as a PA,” she says.
Even in the first few months, she has already gained confidence with her day-to-day schedule. “I underwent a significant training period with Dr. Roberson, and that helped me see patients and adjust to the busy workflow. The rest of the team also has been supportive,” she says. Ferguson works on weekdays and primarily spends most of her time seeing and following up with patients. “It’s a hand-in-hand process with the patients and the team,” she says.
Ferguson is one of the patient’s first points of contact. “Dr. Roberson typically sees the new patients first, but I help collect the initial history and pertinent information,” she says. After patients undergo diagnosis and treatment, they then complete their annual follow-up or sick visits with Ferguson. “I work directly with the patients to collect all medical histories, perform physical examinations, make the diagnosis, request testing or lab work that is necessary, analyze results and initiate any treatment or medication changes—if necessary,” she says.
Being part of the larger SENTA Partners group has also introduced her to fellow PAs. “After I accepted the job offer, several PAs and nurse practitioners reached out to me and gave me helpful advice and words of encouragement,” she says. The human resources (HR) department has also been a valuable resource during Ferguson’s training period. “Like Dr. Roberson and our team, the HR people took the time to welcome me in the clinic. Everyone that I met with has been nice and welcoming. It seems that there’s a good career growth potential,” she says.
“This is an exciting time for me. I’ll continue working with my team to become a better provider to ensure quality patient care,” Ferguson says.
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