Physician Assistant Advocates for Patient Health

“I want my patients to know they have someone in their corner – someone who will listen, and empower them to take an active role in their health.”

For Emily Herbst, a career in healthcare was a natural fit. She grew up in a family where healthy living was part of everyday life – staying active, playing sports and eating well. At the same time, Emily was drawn to science, loved solving puzzles and was curious about how things worked. Her mother, a nurse practitioner, was an early role model, showing Emily firsthand the difference a healthcare professional can make in the lives of others.

“I’ve always wanted to help people and advocate for them,” Emily says. “I wanted to be a helping hand and someone they could lean on. Becoming a PA felt like the best way to make that kind of difference.”

Emily chose primary care because it brings together two areas she is particularly passionate about: preventive medicine and public health. She values the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients and serve as their healthcare “home base,” helping coordinate their care even when specialists are involved.

Patient education is an important part of her approach. She enjoys talking about vaccines and recommended screenings, as well as lifestyle changes that can have a meaningful impact on long-term health, from exercising and eating well to quitting smoking and reducing alcohol use. She believes patients are more empowered to take an active role in their health when they understand the why behind their care.

Patients appreciate Emily’s calm, compassionate approach. She makes a point of giving patients time to explain what’s bringing them in and doesn’t believe in rushing through an appointment. Her patience, understanding and willingness to truly listen help patients feel heard and comfortable.

When she’s not working, Emily enjoys a range of hobbies, including reading, crocheting and knitting. She loves living near the beach and spending time outdoors. And when winter arrives, she heads north to Vermont, where she enjoys snowboarding.

Physician Assistant Empowers Patients to Live Their Healthiest Lives

“It’s such a privilege to do what I love and to make a difference every single day.”

For Olivia Ramos, PA-C, healthcare is more than a profession — it’s a calling rooted in curiosity, compassion, and connection. “I’ve always loved science — biology, chemistry, math — but what really inspired me was the idea of using that knowledge to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” she says.

A lifelong athlete and former competitive cheerleader, Olivia learned early on the value of a healthy body and a strong support system. Athletics taught her discipline and teamwork. She sought a career where she could help others take care of their bodies and feel their best, and that led her to become a Physician Assistant.

Olivia first discovered Vanguard Medical Group through classmates who raved about their clinical rotations — and through her mother, who was a patient. “I could tell that Vanguard values exceptional, personalized care,” she recalls. “As a physician-led organization, they really exemplify that patient-first mentality.”

In family medicine, Olivia has found her perfect fit. She loves caring for patients of all ages and helping them navigate every stage of life. “Primary care is such a special field because it focuses on prevention and education,” she says. “I love taking the time to explain diagnoses and the ‘why’ behind recommendations because knowledge is powerful.”

Known for her warmth and patience, Olivia takes pride in truly listening. She makes a conscious effort to let patients tell their story without interruptions. “That’s when you really learn who they are and how to help.”

When she’s not caring for patients, Olivia enjoys hiking, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and reading by the beach.

Family Physician Offers Personalized Healthcare

“Quality, cost-effective health care is a right, not a privilege.”

Whether he’s reassuring an anxious patient, offering clinical expertise on the latest treatment, or checking on a homebound senior, Dr. Joseph Schauer brings a warmth and compassion to primary care that come from over 35 years of learning and of advocating for his patients. He continues a legacy begun by his father and uncle, who paved the way for patient-centered care at the very same Farmingdale practice, once known as Schauer Family Medical Group.

Dr. Schauer’s own journey in medicine began in high school. He knew he wanted to help others, and he took a summer job as a hospital orderly, solidifying his career path. When it came time to choose a focus in medical school, he selected family medicine. “I liked the idea of taking care of generations of families,” he said, “and of treating the whole person—body, mind and soul. You can do that in primary care, whereas you cannot in subspecialties.”

He returned home to Monmouth County to practice family medicine with his father, Joseph Schauer Jr., MD and his uncle, Edward A. Schauer, MD. They have since retired, and Dr. Schauer remains at the helm, joining with like-minded independent physicians at Vanguard Medical Group.

“What distinguishes our practice is the personal touch, the willingness to sit down and explain things to our patients,” he said. “Our patients love that they can get that individualized attention along with high-tech diagnosis and treatment.”

Over the years, Dr. Schauer has received countless accolades from his patients. “The outcome is not always good, because people sometimes have diseases that unfortunately progress, but there is always an element of gratitude,” he noted. “We will receive notes from families saying thank you for taking care of Dad or Grandpa. Those are incredibly meaningful to us.”

Dr. Schauer’s influence reaches far beyond the Farmingdale location. He is a past president of the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians. He chaired the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Primary Care Initiative, working with a major New Jersey healthcare insurer to develop and implement primary care initiatives built around the PCMH concept in New Jersey.

When he’s not working, Dr. Schauer enjoys traveling with his wife, gardening, golfing and pursuing that ever-elusive hole-in-one.