Provider Service: Family Medicine

Alyssa Townsend, PA-C

Physician Assistant Provides Positive Patient Experience

“As family medicine providers, we are the gatekeepers of our patients’ health.”

From a young age, Alyssa Townsend was drawn to a career in healthcare. Inspired by her mother’s dedication as a radiation therapist, she too wanted to make a difference. In high school, she had the opportunity to shadow her primary care provider, who happened to be a physician assistant at Vanguard Medical Group. “It was during this experience that I truly fell in love with the PA profession,” Alyssa recalled.

She worked as an EMT to get patient care experience before beginning her studies. In her PA program, she completed an additional rotation in women’s health. She also enjoyed the fast pace of working in emergency medicine and urgent care. “When I was looking for family medicine jobs, I saw that Vanguard had an opening,” she said. “I was excited to join the practice that had inspired my career.”

Patients say that they appreciate that Alyssa takes the time to really listen to them. “I want to hear their story,” she said. “I want to know their concerns. Then, we can determine the next steps together.” In her role as a family medicine provider, she perceives herself as the custodian of her patients’ well-being, steering them through essential preventive measures like screenings and vaccinations, while also addressing urgent matters and seamlessly coordinating referrals to specialists when necessary.

She wants her patients to have a positive experience so that they are more likely to return when they need care. “I don’t want them to be hesitant to go to the doctor’s,” she said. “I want them to be inspired to keep up with their health. That’s my biggest motivation.”

When she’s not working, Alyssa loves to read and spend time with friends and family. She also enjoys hiking at the many picturesque parks in New Jersey.

Daniel Khan, MD

Physician Meets Patients Where They Are

“I want to make sure my patients feel heard and empowered.”

A stay in the hospital during his teen years inspired Daniel Khan to become a doctor. He was still in high school, but he knew he wanted to help others the way the physicians had helped him. He became an EMT, shadowed doctors, and went on to complete years of rigorous training. Now as a family physician, Dr. Daniel Khan is doing what he was meant to do.

“I really love being a doctor,” he said. “I love being able to use the knowledge that I’ve accumulated over 13 years of training to help my patients.”

He chose a family medicine focus because it encompassed everything in primary care. “It was what I originally envisioned when I wanted to be a doctor, treating patients of all ages,” he said. “During our clinical studies, no other rotation could even compare with family medicine.”

Dr. Khan joined Vanguard because of its patient-first focus. He chose the Jersey City location because of its diversity. “I come from a diverse background myself,” he said. “I appreciate racial diversity, multilingual diversity, sexual orientations, and other differences. I want to meet patients where they are on their health journeys and help them feel their best.”

Patients like that Dr. Khan takes the time to talk with them. “I explain things and then I listen. I want to make sure that they feel heard and empowered in their healthcare. That’s what I want as a patient myself. I want my doctor to hear my concerns and address them.”

When he’s not working, Dr. Khan enjoys playing soccer and cheering for his favorite teams, the New York Red Bulls and England’s Liverpool. He and his wife have a newborn son.

Urvi Patel, PA-C

Physician assistant helps patients take control of their health

“I think of primary care as the headquarters for a patient’s health.”

When Urvi Patel was in high school, her grandfather had a heart attack. That’s when she realized that no one in her family was equipped to deal with a medical emergency.  “I had this opportunity as a first-generation college student to pursue whatever career I wanted, and that’s when I decided on medicine,” she said.

Urvi ultimately chose a career as a physician assistant, and during her schooling, she gravitated toward pediatrics, women’s health, and family medicine. Vanguard Medical Group was a natural fit because the primary care practice incorporates all three, and more. “Vanguard’s team-based care approach creates a supportive environment where everyone is helping each other,” she said. “That not only helps me as a provider, but in turn it benefits our patients.”

She takes the time to really listen to her patients and address their concerns. “It’s so important to listen with an unbiased, nonjudgmental ear,” she said. “That way, you can get to know your patients and get a full picture of their health. The better that you understand the whole person, the better you will be able to provide recommendations for treatment or preventive care.”

Urvi feels the impact that she makes every single day. “I like being able to go home, knowing that I made a difference in someone’s life. That is very fulfilling for me. Helping people is what drew me to medicine in the first place.”

When she’s not working, Urvi loves to read, bake, and spend time with family. “I have a huge family,” she said, “and we see each other lot.”

Ruth Dominguez Enriquez, PA-C

Physician assistant treats patients like family

“Communication is so important. There should never be a language barrier in medical care.”

Ruth Dominguez Enriquez vividly remembers the confusion in her mother’s eyes as the pediatrician tried to consult with her. As a native Spanish-speaker, her mother struggled due to the language barrier. That was the moment that young Ruth decided on a career in healthcare. As a dual-language speaker, she knew she could help.

“Medicine is complicated enough,” said Ruth. “Speaking the same language is necessary so that patients fully understand their health needs. It also is comforting to hear the explanation in your native language. It’s much easier to ask questions and patients are more likely to follow guidance.”

She considered various careers in medicine, and ultimately selected the Physician Assistant. Before she even started her graduate studies, she found Vanguard Medical Group. “I worked as a medical scribe, and I loved this practice so much that I knew I would find my way back here if I could.”

Ruth initially began her PA career in urgent care, waiting for an opening at Vanguard. Now that she’s here, she enjoys the depth and breadth that primary care brings. “With urgent care, you get a snapshot of one moment in time, but with primary care, you get the complete picture,” she explained. “It’s a continuous relationship with the patient that includes preventive care and wellness, but also understanding the various stresses and challenges in a patient’s life that could affect their health. Getting to know them helps me with the best way to give them the care that they need and deserve.”

“I think that patients really appreciate my kindness,” said Ruth, “and that I’m a great listener. I try to provide them comfort when they need it the most, and speaking their language is just the start. I treat my patients that way that I would want my loved ones to be treated.”

When she’s not working, Ruth enjoys indoor cycling, cooking, and baking.

Nikoletta D. Antczak, PA-C

Physician assistant fulfills her dream as a healthcare provider

“I want my patients to live a healthy life so that they can continue doing what they enjoy most.”

Nikoletta was always more excited for science class than any other subject. Anatomy and physiology especially sparked her interest. That, coupled with her desire to help others, was the start of her career in medicine. “I discovered the physician assistant career in college, shadowed a PA in a hospital NICU, and I knew immediately that was what I wanted to do,” she says.

She found her passion in family medicine, pediatrics, and women’s health, but she couldn’t choose between the three. Luckily with Vanguard Medical Group, she didn’t have to. “I love that I get to do it all at Vanguard,” she says.

Patients say that Nikoletta is personable and approachable. She takes the time to educate patients about their health and encourages them to ask questions. “We’re trained with all this medical knowledge and now it’s my job to be able to explain what that means in lay terms to my patients. I want them to fully understand their options, and the risks and benefits of treatment.”

She stresses the importance of preventive care and regular wellness checkups. “A lot of patients actually ask why they have to come yearly,” she says. “That’s the time when we evaluate their health from head to toe. We want to make sure that we’re not just looking at one aspect of the patient, such as during an urgent care visit. We’re looking at the big picture.”

“My mother brought us over from Poland for a better life,” adds Nikoletta. “Now that I’m a healthcare provider, I feel as if I’m fulfilling her dream—and mine.”

When she’s not working, Nikoletta loves watching movies, cooking new recipes, and spending time with family.

She has two rescue dogs, Maui and Athena, and a cat, Raven.

Alana Young, MS, PA-C

Physician Assistant Brings Lifelong Passion for Care

“I absolutely love seeing the outcomes of each visit. I think it makes you a better provider.”

A friend’s childhood seizure was the reason that Alana Young chose healthcare as a career. It happened at a sleepover and understandably, young Alana was frightened. Yet she was fully prepared years later in high school when that same friend had a seizure in the back seat of a car. “After that first experience, I set out to learn all about seizures,” she says. “So, I was able to calm the people around me, and help my friend through it. That was the moment I knew I wanted to go into healthcare. This is what I was meant to be doing.”

While pursuing a science track in college, she learned about the Physician Assistant career from a family friend. He arranged for her to shadow a group of PAs, which confirmed her career choice. Upon graduation, she went to work in neurology, because of her early interest in epilepsy.

“I realized pretty quickly that I wanted more of a relationship with my patients than I could have in specialty care,” says Alana. “I wanted to be there for their lifelong healthcare needs.” That’s when she pivoted to primary care. “I love the aspect of seeing everyone in the family and really getting to know your patients and partnering with them on their care.”

Patients appreciate that Alana takes the time to listen. “I strive to be that person who listens and who is calm and empathetic, because 90% of what we do is taking a good history and understanding it. That way, we can make the most informed decision on what test to order or what follow-up is needed.”

She joined Vanguard because of its patient-first focus and its collaborative care approach. A Randolph resident, Alana adds, “I’m excited to contribute to the community in which I live.”

When she’s not working, Alana enjoys traveling and hiking. She is an avid reader and loves exploring bookstores. She is a new mom and is enjoying introducing her son to these experiences.

Emily Childers, PA-C

Primary Care Physician Assistant Values Patient Relationships

“Primary care is the foundation of patient health and wellbeing.”

Physician Assistant Emily Childers got her first glimpse of her future career in high school. She was part of a health science program that visited different hospitals and facilities. As someone who loved helping people, a healthcare career resonated with her. Her experience with her own provider, a physician assistant, solidified the choice.

“She was empathetic and thorough,” said Emily. “I always felt heard when I saw her. She built that relationship with me. I ended up shadowing her and ultimately working for her later on as a medical assistant.”

Now as a physician assistant in primary care, Emily enjoys helping patients of all ages stay healthy. Emily’s patients say she is genuine and empathetic. They like that she takes the time to listen to them. She strives to help them fully understand their health. She focuses on preventative care, and encourages healthy habits, screenings, and proactive steps that patients can take.

“I’m looking forward to following my patients for the long-term, and I want them to know that they’re a valued partner in their health care journey,” says Emily. “I want them to feel comfortable coming to me with their concerns, big or small, so that we can address them together.”

When she’s not working, Emily enjoys baking, yoga, and taking her dog to parks. Originally from Dallas, she also likes exploring the area and discovering new favorite destinations.

Jill Magioncalda, FNP

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.

Swetal Patel, PA-C

Primary Care PA Guides Patients Toward Better Health

“Primary care is the gatekeeper for healthy living.”

With a passion for science and a penchant for helping others, Physician Assistant Swetal Patel guides her patients to make the healthy choices that help them live their best lives.

It’s a lifelong pursuit inspired by her own childhood injury and a trip to the hospital. “The physician who took care of me was incredibly caring,” she says. “It made me want to pursue a career in healthcare so that I could do the same for others.” Swetal followed a science and math track, and ultimately found the physician assistant role in primary care to be a perfect fit.

Swetal brings diverse and extensive clinical experience to Vanguard, including work in a primary care practice as well as in outpatient and emergency settings. In the primary care setting, she is able to advocate for good nutrition, regular exercise, and staying ahead of potential disease through preventive screenings. “Armed with all of the information, patients can take control of their health,” she says.

Swetal values her relationships with her patients and is there for the long term. “I like to see the impact of our visits over time, such as the care plan that we follow and the lifestyle changes that the patient makes,” she says. Patients appreciate her thoroughness and like that she uses plain language when explaining medical terms. She ensures that they have the resources that they need to make healthy changes.

When she’s not working, Swetal enjoys nature photography and spending time in the great outdoors.

Sheila Mellody, MD

Family Physician Values Patient Relationships

“By counseling patients on good nutrition, healthy choices, and preventative care, we can help them live their best lives.”

Inspired by her patients and driven by her passion for helping others, Dr. Sheila Mellody brings a caring and compassionate approach to primary care at Vanguard Medical Group’s Farmingdale office. It’s a dream role for this family physician who values the relationships that she has made over the years.

“I chose family medicine for the one-on-one continuity of care,” she said. “Getting to know my patients, seeing their kids grow, and helping them on a journey toward good health is truly gratifying.”

Dr. Mellody began her career in Denver, Colorado, in a women’s health practice, and brings that experience and special interest to Vanguard. She also spent time working in primary care in Virginia Beach. She returned to her home state of New Jersey to be close to family.

Patients say they like Dr. Mellody’s ability to explain things clearly. “I’m very thorough and very organized,” she said. “I make sure that my patients fully understand any diagnoses or treatments so that we are able to work together toward optimum health.” She also emphasizes the importance of preventative care and healthy lifestyle choices. “Regular screenings, good nutrition, and healthy choices really do make a difference,” she said. “I often tell my patients that good nutrition is the backbone of any treatment.”

When she’s not working, Dr. Mellody enjoys running, camping, cooking, and spending time with her husband and children.