Rachael Romer

Physician Assistant Cultivates Provider-Patient Relationships

“I look at the whole person and not just the diagnosis in front of me.”

Rachael Romer grew up around medicine. As a child, she watched her grandmother go in and out of the hospital. She loved seeing how the providers made her grandmother feel and the relationships they formed with her. It was the inspiration for her career as a physician assistant in primary care.

She chose family medicine so she could treat a range of conditions and help patients over the long term. “Continuity of care is very important to me,” she said. “It’s not just one specific diagnosis but a chance to get to know your patients over time and help them stay healthy.”

Rachael’s patients say she is extremely outgoing and personable. She takes the time to get to know them. “If you get to know the person and not just the patient, you can better understand how to help them. You will understand their diets, their exercise routines, their stress levels, and the challenges they face in staying healthy.”

In addition to her role at Vanguard, Rachael is inspiring the next generation of physician assistants. She is an assistant professor of PA studies at her alma mater, Saint Elizabeth University.

When she’s not working, Rachael enjoys spending time with family and friends; playing tennis, softball, and golf; and walking her rescue dog, Emmett.