New certified physician assistant joins Parkview in Peru

Hallie Gallinat, Pharos-Tribune, Logansport, Ind.
·3 min read

Sep. 22—Leeanna Knight joined the Parkview Physicians Group, or PPG, — Family Medicine office this week and will be based at the new multi-specialty clinic which opened last month in Peru.

A certified physician assistant (PA-C), Knight recently relocated to northern Indiana from Hillsdale, Mich. There, she provided primary care at a rural health clinic and a walk-in clinic, according to the press release. Prior to that, Knight worked with autistic patients, helping them meet behavioral goals and milestones, at an applied behavior center in Terre Haute, the release says.

Knight earned her master's degree in physician assistant studies (MPAS) from Trine University in Angola, and is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, according to the release. She is a native of Brazil, Ind. and completed her undergraduate studies at Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, where she graduated cum laude. Knight is also trained as a QPR, or Question, Persuade, Refer suicide prevention gatekeeper.

"I always wanted to go into the medical field — to help others become the best versions of themselves," Knight said. "I want to be the provider who listens, shows compassion, makes visits comfortable, and helps patients to the best of my ability."

Knight enjoys the opportunity that primary care affords for her to get to know patients of all ages and level of care needs. She said those relationships are very rewarding over time as she gets to learn about the challenges and triumphs in her patients' lives. The release says she also finds it satisfying to help patients by performing in-office procedures such skin biopsies, pelvic exams, warts and skin growth removal, eye exams for foreign bodies and more. She describes her approach to care as patient-centered, the release says.

"I would like patients to know that I am here to help them and cheer them on toward their health goals. I will sit and listen to their concerns, and we will work together to come up with a treatment plan," Knight said in the release. "And I will explain why I recommend a certain test or medication so each person can make informed decisions about their healthcare choices.

Knight enjoys reading, spending time with family and staying active with her husband and their three dogs in her leisure time. She said in the press release that they also enjoy live music events and have recently begun going to asphalt track racing.

"Our dogs enjoy hiking and camping with us," Knight said in the release. "We have not attempted to take them kayaking yet, although they do love to swim."

Market president, Parkview Health Southwest Deb Potempa said in the press release that Knight, having worked in various settings with people who have all types of health needs, brings excellent experience and an ability to connect with her patients on a human level.

"We are very pleased that she's chosen to serve Miami County residents at our Peru clinic, as she is a caring and knowledgeable professional," Potempa said in the release.

The PPG — Family Medicine office is located inside the multi-specialty clinic located at 750 N. Broadway in Peru and the hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For questions or appointments, call 260-569-2120. Same day appointments are available as well.