Provider Service: Family Medicine

Christie Joshi, PA-C

Physician Assistant Values Quality Patient Interactions

“It’s a privilege to be part of my patients’ lives.”

Long before she chose a career in healthcare, Christie Joshi witnessed the deep bond between patients and providers. When her father fell ill, her mother—a hospice nurse—became his caregiver. “I understood what it felt like to need comfort and guidance,” Christie recalls. “I saw firsthand how trust and rapport make all the difference.”

That experience led her to become a primary care physician assistant, a role she loves for its variety. “In a single day, I might see patients with respiratory infections, chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, or those simply coming in for preventive screenings,” she explains. “No matter the reason for their visit, I want to help them take control of their health.”

Christie joined Vanguard because of its comprehensive, team-based approach to patient care. “The model here is unique,” she says. “We have primary care providers and specialists—cardiology, gastroenterology, sports medicine—all in one place. Plus, having a pharmacist on staff to consult about medications is invaluable. It’s an environment designed for high-quality care.”

Patients describe Christie as approachable, kind, and empathetic. Known for her calming presence and clear explanations, she strives to make every patient feel at ease. “I want them to feel heard and reassured, especially if they’re nervous.”

For Christie, the most rewarding part of her work is being there for patients during difficult times. “When someone is facing a health challenge, you’re reminded of our shared humanity,” she says. “Making a difference in those moments is the greatest service I can provide.”

Outside of work, Christie enjoys walking, playing tennis, and baking gluten-free treats. An avid reader, she loves curling up with a good book alongside her rescue cats.

Paige Seavey, PA-C

Primary Care Physician Assistant Values Patient Relationships

“When you’re part of a practice like Vanguard where everyone wants the best for the patient, that’s when they receive exceptional care.”

Paige Seavey played a lot of sports growing up. While her siblings largely dodged the injuries, she was the one who always seemed to end up at the doctor’s office. Those countless visits and hours in physical therapy left a lasting impression, sparking her fascination with both the medical and rehabilitation aspects of care. It ultimately led to her career as a physician assistant.

“As I began to explore both careers, I discovered that I prefer primary care over rehabilitation,” she explained. “It allows me to explore all aspects of medicine. I like that it’s always evolving and keeps me continually challenged. It’s inspiring to see doctors with more than 30 years of experience still pursuing education and training to improve themselves.”

She chose Vanguard because it is a physician-driven practice. “I feel as though the quality of patient care is held to a higher standard,” she said. “Patients are not just a number or a medical billing code.” Vanguard is also a full circle moment for Paige, who grew up in the area. “I’m excited to bump into some familiar faces, both when I’m out and about and also at the practice.”

Patients appreciate Paige’s attention to detail and her thoughtful approach to their concerns. “I’m very patient when they explain things because I genuinely want to understand what they’re trying to say,” she shared. “They trust me, feel comfortable with me, and often come to me first to discuss their concerns. They know I truly care about their well-being.”

Paige also finds immense fulfillment in her relationships with patients. “Honestly, the thing I love most about my job is the patients,” she said. “I’ve formed bonds with them that feel like a genuine connection—almost like being part of the family.”

When she’s not working, Paige loves hitting the slopes, whether it’s skiing in Vermont or out west in Utah. She’s also an avid traveler, always eager to explore new destinations and experiences. In her downtime, Paige enjoys cooking and even shares tips with patients on ways to improve their diets. Most of all, she cherishes spending time with her family—her wife and their beloved dog.

Rafael Alexandre, PA-C

Physician Assistant Creates Caring Connections with Patients

“When you take the time to understand all the factors in a patient’s life, you get a more complete picture of their health—enabling you to provide more effective care.”

Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, Rafael always knew he wanted to help people. A self-professed science enthusiast, he found that a career in healthcare perfectly combined his passion and skills. He discovered the physician assistant profession during college while shadowing a PA.

“I was inspired when I first learned about physician assistants—their versatility, integral role in the healthcare system, and ability to work across specialties,” said Rafael. “Shadowing PAs opened my eyes to a dynamic and impactful career, and I knew it was the perfect fit for me.”

While at Rutgers, he volunteered at the HOPE Clinic, providing medical care for the underserved and uninsured in South Plainfield. Not only was he able to make a difference, he honed his skills as a medical professional and solidified his passion for primary care.

“I love the longevity of primary care,” said Rafael. “It allows me to build lasting relationships with my patients, understanding not just their physical health but their mental well-being too. I get to address their concerns, treat their problems, and follow their progress as they grow and navigate through life. It’s incredibly rewarding to be an integral part of their journey.”

Patients like that Rafael takes his time and is attentive to their concerns. “They say I am thorough and that I listen,” he explained. “If I can do anything, it’s to be the listening ear that they need. Plus, you’ll find that often, if you slow down and just listen, patients will share the essential information that helps you to help them.”

When he’s not working, Rafael enjoys spending time with friends, and regularly joins them for jam sessions. Singing and making music is one of his favorite ways to unwind. He also enjoys working out, playing volleyball and video games.

Melissa Ann Eppinger, MD

Family physician sees the person behind the diagnosis

“My goal is to provide compassionate care that acknowledges each patient’s unique story, empowering them through every step of their healthcare journey.”

Melissa Ann Eppinger’s path to medicine seems almost destined. With a father who is a nephrologist and a mother who works as a physician assistant, healthcare was always a central theme in her life. During high school, a volunteer job as a hospital courier, delivering flowers and plants to patients, gave her a firsthand look at the difference a kind gesture can make. However, it was a profound personal experience with a life-changing diagnosis that truly set her on the path to becoming Dr. Melissa Ann Eppinger.

“I understand what it’s like to be on the other side of the examination table,” she said, “feeling the fear and worry. My goal is to ensure my patients know that I’m here for them, seeing them as more than just their medical conditions.”

Dr. Eppinger ultimately pursued her medical education with a focus on family medicine. Her formative experiences included internships in surgery and pediatric neurosurgery, where she conducted and published research in areas such as breast oncology, hypertension, pediatric neurosurgery, and neurology.

Returning to New Jersey, where she considers home, she said “I feel a strong connection to the community that helped shape who I am today.” Dr. Eppinger chose Vanguard for its comprehensive resources and patient-centered approach.

Dr. Eppinger values the diversity of her patients, from newborns to the elderly and everyone in between. “I could be seeing a sick appointment, and then seeing a baby, and after that treating someone with a chronic medical condition,” she said. “They are so much more than their chronic medical conditions, hypertension, anxiety, depression, and diabetes, so much more than their blood pressure value, hemoglobin count or A1C value. They are also mothers and fathers, chefs and firefighters and marathon runners, and that’s how I think we should be treating our patients. We need to take a step back and truly get to know who our patients are to really be effective clinicians.”

She has a particular passion for women’s health, engaging in meaningful conversations about issues that many women are hesitant to discuss. “I aim to empower women and emphasize the importance of healthcare screenings. I also provide services like pap smears, birth control implants, and intrauterine device insertions.”

Her patients appreciate her personable and compassionate approach, noting her dedication to listening and understanding their concerns. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of my patients’ lives, helping them through both the big and small challenges,” she said.

Outside of work, Dr. Eppinger enjoys traveling, staying fit through cardio kickboxing, and dancing competitively in jazz, contemporary, and ballet.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Joseph W. Schauer, III, MD

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.