Family Nurse Practitioner Shares Passion for Health and Wellness

“When you know your patient, you are able to customize care just for them.”

For as long as she can remember, Amanda Start wanted to work in healthcare. She sought to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Amanda ultimately decided on nursing, and began her career in a hospital setting, gaining experience in everything from cardiac care and emergency medicine to orthopedics and neurology. However, her RN degree could take her only so far.

“I saw the care that advanced practitioners were providing, and I wanted to be a part of that,” she said. “I wanted to play a larger role in my patients’ health and be able to help them a little more.” That’s when she decided to enroll in a family nurse practitioner program.

After working in the Intensive Care Unit as a charge nurse, she pursued travel nursing, filling roles in regional medical centers. Once she earned her advanced degree, Amanda joined Vanguard Medical Group. It was important to her to work in a physician-owned and operated practice that put patients first. She is thrilled to be able to put her experience to work in the Teleheath division.

“After years of working in critical care units, I have developed a strong understanding of chronic illness and the disease process,” she said. “With Telehealth, I’ll be more focused on acute care, but I’ll also share strategies for preventive measures. After all, I’m passionate about health and wellness.”

Patients say that they like Amanda’s empathy and appreciate the care that she takes in discussing their health. She is equally as comfortable with patients in an online setting as in the office. She works hard to make patients feel comfortable so that they can talk to her openly.

“For patients to feel their best, their care must be tailored to them,” explained Amanda. “We want them to comfortably be able to take the steps needed to improve their health.”

When she’s not working, Amanda is a self-professed fan of summer. She enjoys going to the beach and paddleboarding, among other warm weather activities.

Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Creates Virtual Connections via Telehealth

“I want my patients to ask questions so they learn and understand their health needs.”

Jill Magioncalda knows the importance of understanding a medical diagnosis. Her son, now grown and healthy, was born with a birth defect and had three surgeries before he was a year old. “I wanted to empower myself with knowledge so I would know the questions to ask,” she said. That inspired her to become a nurse, and to pursue the advanced education and training of a family medicine nurse practitioner. Today, she helps patients at Vanguard via telehealth, also called telemedicine.

Jill began her career as a nursing instructor at ECPI University, inspiring the next generation of nurses. In that role, she worked to implement and coordinate efforts with the South Carolina State Board of Nursing to adopt the first LPN program for the university. At the same time, she volunteered and then worked at a free medical clinic, serving those in greatest need. Jill continued her career in a variety of medical settings. She has worked in long-term care and rehabilitation, in a Healthy House Calls program, in hospice, and was one of the pioneering practitioners in telemedicine.

When COVID-19 hit, Jill was on the front lines, offering her expertise at one of New Jersey’s mega sites. “I found again that people needed to understand what is going on, and needed good solid evidence-based medicine,” she said. She helped to educate those patients about COVID.

Jill joined Vanguard because of its patient-first focus and its robust telemedicine program. “When I wake up in the morning, I’m excited to go to work,” she said. “I get an opportunity to connect with my patients and form relationships from the very first encounter.” Patients like Jill’s easygoing manner and openness. She encourages them to ask questions and to take the helm of their own healthcare, partnering with her for healthy outcomes. She also works closely with the Vanguard team. “I really enjoy the collaboration,” she said.

When she’s not busy working, Jill enjoys helping with events for her town. She and her husband are active in planning Olde Freehold Day and Freehold’s Halloween Extravaganza.

Telemedicine Physician Assistant Enjoys Practicing Family Medicine

“I see patients through a family practice lens. I look at all facets of their mental and physical health to help them feel their best.”

Alexandra Citro discovered her future career while she was hospitalized at age 20 for a heart problem. “The physician assistant (PA) was amazing,” she said. “She took the time to talk with me and ease my fears during a scary situation.” Alexandra already had her eye on a career in healthcare, but at that moment she set out to learn more about physician assistants. “It was the perfect blend of everything I wanted,” Alexandra said, “with a large focus on patient care.”

She went on to work initially in hematology oncology with cancer patients, then in family medicine and urgent care. “I really love the continuity of care in family medicine,” she said. “I enjoy getting to know my patients and being able to help them not only when they have an immediate need, but with their overall health.”

As a telemedicine provider, Alexandra starts by reviewing a patient’s medical history before she sees him or her on video chat. “I like to get a picture of my patients first because that may affect the treatment I recommend.” She goes on to make sure patients have a medical home and addresses their overall mental and physical health during a virtual visit. “My focus is on the whole person, including preventive care. Therefore, I might recommend diet, exercise, meditation or other lifestyle changes that will help them feel good.”

Alexandra joined Vanguard for its focus on the whole patient. “I like that Vanguard isn’t linked to a huge hospital and is independent. It has a family feel to it where both providers and patients are part of that family.”

When she’s not working, Alexandra enjoys cooking and baking for her kids.  She also loves to read. She and her husband, John, have three young children and enjoy spending time together. When her schedule allows, Alexandra also volunteers. She has cut hair for Locks of Love and packed lunches for Feed the Need, furnishing meals to children in Africa through her church.