To expand access to digestive health services in the region, Beaufort Memorial has added a board-certified physician assistant to the team at Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care.

Jessica Elkins, PA-C, offers general and specialized gastroenterological care to patients as a provider alongside the practice’s board-certified physicians in Okatie and Beaufort. She graduated from the University of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio, with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies.

“Jessica’s passion for the gastroenterology field, paired with her desire for patient connection, will make her a great addition to the Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care team,” said Russell Baxley, Beaufort Memorial president and CEO. “Her knowledge and connection to the community will resonate with patients and ensure the highest quality of care possible.”

The Beaufort native and nature enthusiast knew she wanted to work in medicine from a young age and was initially set on a career in dentistry before she realized she craved more patient interaction. She switched gears and found that the physician assistant path was a better fit.

Her clinical interests include the treatment and management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver and gallbladder disease, as well as the prevention of gastrointestinal cancers.

She stated it was gastroenterology’s role in connecting the human body’s immune and nervous systems which sparked her initial interest in the field. She added that she is driven to help patients find ways to balance their lifestyle habits with their hereditary and acquired conditions when managing their health while providing access to the most up to date clinical interventions.

At Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care, Elkins joins board-certified gastroenterology specialists including Drs. Michael Sciarra, John Crisologo, Richard Stewart, physician assistants Kristen Johnson and Kimberly Thorpe, and nurse practitioner Marie Wilkinson.

The team of gastroenterology specialists, located at both 300 Midtown Drive in Beaufort and at the Okatie Medical Pavilion (122 Okatie Center Boulevard North) make it easy for area residents to seek care for common digestive health issues, and can help patients pinpoint the cause of their condition and find lifestyle or surgical solutions that can help manage or resolve symptoms.

To schedule an appointment with Elkins or any of the practice providers, call 843-770-4588.