LeeAnn C. Still, PA-C joins Dr. Knower’s practice

The information in this article was originally published in The Central Oregonian column, "Health Matters," on March 4, 2008.

We extend a warm welcome to a new care provider, certified physician assistant LeeAnn C. Still.  LeeAnn began her practice in association with family physician Michael Knower, M.D, last fall.  I caught up with her at the Community Open House Dr. Knower’s office manager Debbie Syme arranged in February.

Still was born and raised in Louisville, Colorado, a small town near Boulder.  She attended  Texas Lutheran University in Sequin, near San Antonio, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology with chemistry as a minor.  Last August Still completed her Master of Medical Science studies to gain certification as a physician assistant at Midwestern University in Phoenix, AZ.  

“The program at Midwestern is an intensive 27-month program,” Still says.  “There were 12 months of clinical rotations in specialties such as emergency medicine, family and geriatric medicine, psychiatry, surgery, pediatrics, and women's health.”  Most of her clinical rotations, such as cardiology, were in Phoenix .  But two were at Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado:  pediatrics and orthopedics.

Still just hit the ground and starting running, reports Dr. Knower, who thinks she will be famous one day.  “There is never a dull moment; there are always people calling,” Still says, “And I think we save them a trip to the Emergency Department; we do a pretty good job.”

“We most frequently see lung problems during the winter:   especially bronchitis, pneumonia. In winter, these seem to get a lot worse,” Still continues.   “Most people do not wait until the last minute, but they try to fix themselves, or hope their breathing will improve on its own. 

“I’d like to urge them to at least call our office and talk to our nurse.  Usually we are able to work them in.  Each day I see three or four walk-ins in addition to my regularly scheduled appointments with patients.”

In addition to seeing patients, Still also works with physician assistant students.  “One student confided last week that her eyes had been opened in Dr. Knower’s office, saying ‘I have seen more things and done more things here in this practice in the last five days than I had seen in my previous rotation that was 12 weeks long.’”

Why did she choose to come to Prineville?  “Phoenix was too hot. I crave four seasons,” she notes.  “The cost of living was too steep, and I wanted to be close to the mountains and to serve in a small town.

“I like Prineville. It is a great rural area,” Still concludes. “I really like the people I work with and the people here.  Our patients are very friendly, and this is a nice place.”

Still has found meeting people’s psychological needs to be the most challenging aspect of her practice, especially with problems that need attention immediately. 

Still sets an example for going with change.  Last year within four weeks she finished her studies, took and passed her board examination, became engaged to be married (in Colorado in August), and moved to Oregon. “All within four weeks,” she smiles. “That’s the way to do it.

“In the future, I plan outreach in other countries, South America, perhaps, or Africa.  Some day I’d like to accompany Ken Long when he travels on a medical mission to Africa.”

LeeAnn Still, PA-C, practices in association with Michael Knower, MD.   Their offices are at 1251 NE Elm Street ; Prineville.  The phone number for appointments is 447-1680.