Kristina Chan, PA-C

Physician Assistant Builds Trust Through Compassionate Listening

“The most powerful thing we can do in medicine is listen—with empathy, patience, and purpose.”

Kristina Chan got an early introduction to the power of healthcare. In high school, she watched as a dedicated medical team helped her grandmother recover from a stroke, restoring her to nearly full function over a period of months. That experience made a lasting impact and sparked Kristina’s decision to pursue a career where she could make the same kind of difference for others—as a Physician Assistant (PA).

Before earning her PA degree, Kristina gained hands-on experience working as an EMT—a role that proved especially meaningful when her team responded to a stroke patient. Thanks to their training, they were able to recognize the signs quickly and get him to the hospital promptly. “In that moment, it all came full circle for me,” she recalls. “I was able to help someone in a situation similar to what my grandmother went through.”

During her PA clinical training, Kristina completed two rotations at Vanguard Medical Group and immediately felt at home. “The teamwork stood out to me,” she says. “I loved how PAs and physicians collaborated, and how there was access to specialties like sports medicine. I knew this was the kind of practice I wanted to be a part of.”

Kristina is drawn to the variety of family medicine, where no two days—or patients—are ever the same. “One patient may come in with a cold, another with diabetes, and another with a skin concern,” she says. Her background in dermatology gives her a special interest in skin health and cancer screening. “I always tell patients that skin checks are just as important as colonoscopies. It’s about prevention and early detection.”

Patients appreciate Kristina’s calm, compassionate approach. “Sometimes people come in anxious, worried about their symptoms or a possible diagnosis. I make it a point to listen—really listen. That alone can bring a lot of comfort.”

What does she love most about being a PA? “Helping people. It’s that simple. Just like the team helped my grandmother, I want to be that person for someone else. That makes me happy.”

Outside of the office, Kristina enjoys staying active—especially playing volleyball—and is involved in her local church, where she helps foster community and fellowship.