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Mount Nittany Health, the region’s leading provider of primary care, is pleased to announce expansion of primary care services with the addition of eight new providers, who are joining an award winning health system that has served our region for 120 years. Mount Nittany Health Primary Care is currently available in nine primary clinics
in Bellefonte, State College, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Mifflin County, and Philipsburg.
“Mount Nittany Health’s mission is “Healthier people, stronger community,” said Kathleen Rhine, President and CEO, Mount Nittany Health. “Access
to primary care providers is vital to positive long-term health outcomes. We are doing everything in our power to play our part in ensuring we have a strong community.”
Patients who have a strong relationship with a primary care provider are
better able to manage their overall health. They are more likely to receive regular screenings and take preventative healthcare measures that could identify and address concerns before they become serious.
Mount Nittany Health
is also expanding primary care to reduce hospital readmission rates. Research done by The National Center for Complex Health & Social Needs shows that patients who see their primary care provider for a follow-up visit within seven days of being
hospitalized have a lower chance of being readmitted to the hospital.
“We are always looking for ways to increase access to care for our patients and improve their health outcomes, especially patients who are living with chronic diseases,”
says Chris Hester, MD, Clinical Officer of Mount Nittany Physician Group. “I’m thrilled we are adding outstanding new primary care physicians to our team.”
One of the new providers, Shannon Manley, PhD, brings a new area of expertise
to the pediatric practice. Dr. Manley is a pediatric psychologist, who focuses on children and adolescents with a variety of emotional and behavioral symptoms. Dr. Manley’s specialty is a welcome resource for the community.
Mount
Nittany Health - Penns Valley will welcome Dr. Mallory Schaffer, who will be providing both Primary Care Family Medicine and Orthopedics Sports Medicine at this location.
“We are dedicated to offering patients the highest quality
primary and specialty care, close to home,” said Rhine. “This includes more than 30 medical specialties, including Cardiology, Orthopedics, Oncology, Urology, and Neurology. Relationships with primary care providers are an important factor in
connecting patients to other specialists and services. We will continue to expand.”
New patients are encouraged to learn more about Mount Nittany Health and sign up for the My Mount Nittany Health Patient Portal which is where they can request appointments, view health records (including medications,
lab results, and medical history), ask providers questions, and download the app for mobile devices.
Future plans for continued expansion of primary care services include adding a multi-site advanced practice provider, growing Mount
Nittany Health’s Philipsburg practice, and opening Mount Nittany Health’s planned 125,000 square foot outpatient facility in Toftrees West in 2024.
The full list of new providers includes:
- Dr. Karissa Thal, Mount Nittany Health - Bellefonte - Family Medicine
- Dr. William Wagner, Mount Nittany Health - Bellefonte - Family Medicine
- Dr. Thomas Tuyen, Mount Nittany Health - Blue Course Drive - Family Medicine
- Dr. Stephen Pandolph, Mount Nittany Health - Blue Course Drive - Family Medicine
- Dr. Mallory Schaffer, Mount Nittany Health - Penns Valley - Family and Sports Medicine
- Kayla Thompson, CRNP, Mount Nittany Health - Boalsburg - Pediatrics
- Shannon Manley, PhD, Mount Nittany Health - Boalsburg - Pediatric Psychology
- Amber Purdy, PA-C, Mount Nittany Health - Park Avenue - Internal Medicine
Photos (including headshots of the new providers) can be found here.
