Hemphill, Texas (July 25, 2019) – Alexa Wingo’s career path as a physician assistant (PA) may take a left turn to West Texas as a result of her clinical rotation at Sabine County Hospital and Toledo Bend Family Medicine.

Wingo is the latest physician assistant student to spend a month with Chris Melcher, PA-C, observing him as he cares for patients in the clinic, hospital and emergency department.

“I’ve had a truly great time here Hemphill learning the art of rural medicine, so much so that I’m considering working in a smaller community,” said Wingo. An Amarillo native, Wingo now hopes to find a job in West Texas where she can fulfill her dream to connect with patients on a personal level and help them to live their healthiest lives.

Melcher is no novice when it comes to teaching. Certified by the American Association of Physician Assistants to serve as a Clinical Preceptor, Melcher has helped to train over 70 PA students since 2009. He is also well respected by his students who have voted him the preferred UNT preceptor for six of the last seven years.

“As any teacher knows, working with students is very rewarding and helps keep you on your toes,” laughs Melcher. “I really like teaching and enjoy the opportunity to educate students about the demands and rewards of providing medical care in small communities,” he continued.

Enrolled in the PA program at the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center (UNT), Fort Worth, Texas, Wingo will graduate this year with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree. She earned her Associate of Science in General Studies degree from Amarillo College and her Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from Texas Tech University, Lubbock.

A self-proclaimed “Texas gal” Wingo’s vision of her future as a PA also includes “a few acres on the plains with 2-3 kids, my pups, a chicken coop, a bee keep and a porch facing the west.”

Alexa and Chris posing for picture

Alexa Wingo is the latest physician assistant student to train with Chris Melcher, PA, at Sabine County Hospital and Toledo Bend Family Medicine.