Mount Nittany Health expands by adding 8 new primary care doctors in Centre County
Mount Nittany Health is adding eight primary care providers including a pediatric psychologist, the health system said Friday.
Patients can benefit in several ways from having a strong relationship with a primary care provider, Mount Nittany Health said in a statement. They are more likely to get regular health screenings and take preventative steps before concerns become serious. The health system also pointed to research that shows patients who see their primary care provider within a week of a hospitalization are less likely to be readmitted.
“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,” said Dr. Chris Hester, Mount Nittany Physician Group clinical officer. “I’m thrilled we are adding outstanding new primary care physicians to our team.”
Shannon Manley brings a new focus to the pediatrics practice. Manley is a pediatric psychologist, who focuses on emotional and behavioral issues in children and adolescents.
Also joining Mount Nittany Health is Dr. Mallory Schaffer, who will offer primary care family medicine and orthopedics sports medicine in Penns Valley.
Mount Nittany Health additionally plans to expand primary care services in the region by adding a multisite advanced practice provider, expanding the Philipsburg practice and opening an outpatient facility in Toftrees West in 2024.
Here’s a look at the new providers, including where and what they’ll practice:
- Dr. Karissa Thal, Bellefonte — family medicine
- Dr. William Wagner, Bellefonte — family medicine
- Dr. Thomas Tuyen, Blue Course Drive — family medicine
- Dr. Stephen Pandolph, Blue Course Drive — family medicine
- Dr. Mallory Schaffer, Penns Valley — family and sports medicine
- Kayla Thompson, CRNP, Boalsburg — pediatrics
- Shannon Manley, Ph.D., Boalsburg — pediatric psychology
- Amber Purdy, PA-C, Park Avenue — internal medicine
Mount Nittany Health provides primary care in nine clinics in Bellefonte, State College, Penns Valley, Boalsburg, Philipsburg and Mifflin County.