Physician Assistant Paige Lamica values her patient interactions and enjoys providing care to the older population.
She originally worked in the chemistry field after graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), but found that working independently, spending a lot of her day on the computer and having minimal opportunities to collaborate with others were not the right fit for her. She decided to return to school to pursue her medical career path at MCPHS University in Worcester.
In her current role with Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skincare, Paige is able to incorporate her love of science and math with the interactions that she missed.
She enjoys providing care to her older patients and essentially thinks of them as her extended grandparents. She views her role as much more than just a job and her patient relationships are mutually beneficial. It’s a rewarding experience for Paige to interact with them on a regular basis and she said there is so much to learn from the older population. The knowledge she has gained is incredible from spending a few extra minutes with them. She has learned about sewing, crocheting, knitting and model planes; exchanged recipes; and has received drawings from patients.
She is grateful for the opportunities afforded to her, sometimes from strangers, and believes in giving back. Her work with the students in the practice’s Gap Year Scribe and Practice Assistant Program enables her to share knowledge with them, as well as to constantly learn more herself.
Paige attributes the uniqueness of the practice to the fact that everyone there is invested in the care of each patient. The students involved in the gap year program are all on a path to a career in medicine and work every aspect of the practice from answering the phones to assisting providers.
Another highlight of the practice that Paige finds rewarding is the ability for patients to be seen for urgent care, which often keeps patients having to go to an emergency room department.
She likes the flexibility of her job and the opportunity to care for patients at the office, through virtual telemedicine appointments and at nursing home facilities.
She recognizes that her elderly patients may experience more serious and complicated challenges in addition to the medical care required, such as financial struggles, transportation, dementia, memory loss, or neglect. In addition to her medical expertise, Paige’s knowledge of resources and collaboration skills are also utilized to provide the best care to her patients.