Meet Neeta Saxena, PA-C, MPH, a care provider in Sanford, NC with a plethora of interesting hobbies and professional engagements!
What is your role in the Department and what patients do you serve?ÌýÌý
My name is Neeta Saxena, PA-C, MPH. I work for the Department of Medicine in Nephrology. I currently provide comprehensive care in managing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) to patients at a large dialysis unit in Sanford and soon will be seeing chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients at the ºÚÁÏÍø Nephrology Clinic in Sanford with a focus on preventative management and education.Ìý
ÌýWhere are you from?ÌýÌý
I was born and raised in Zambia and always dreamed of moving to America for a better education and future. I moved initially to August GA where I completed my degree in Medical Technology. I then went to PA school at NOVA in Fort Lauderdale and lived in Florida for 13 years before moving to NC.ÌýÌý
Did you always envision yourself as an APP?ÌýÌý
ÌýNo while I was working at Medical College of Georgia as a Medical Technologist in the Hematology lab, I realized I wanted more direct patient interaction and heard about the PA profession and knew that would be a great fit for me with my strong foundation in healthcare.ÌýÌý
What is the most rewarding part of your work?ÌýÌý
Knowing that I make a positive impact on the lives of many complicated dialysis patients by helping them feel heard, seen and cared for, and knowing my clinical decisions affect patient’s quality of life. I also build strong relationships with these patients as I see them frequently, many of whom become like family. Celebrating when a patient gets a kidney transplant but also understanding patients with social and economic challenges helps me to be a more compassionate provider.ÌýÌýÌý
How has your role evolved over time since you’ve been here?ÌýÌý
I initially started as a per diem role then transitioned to a full-time employee managing very complicated patients. I will soon be starting to see patients in clinics which offers an opportunity to work on CKD management and preventive care. I also play an active role in advocating for APPs and continue to collaborate with the APP center.Ìý
What is one thing that you wish people knew about your job?ÌýÌý
Dialysis patients endure years of treatment and helping them cope physically and emotionally is also a huge part of my job. The job is emotionally demanding as you see patients in their hardest days and sometimes go through end-of-life care. You develop a special bond with these patients, and it is very difficult when they die.Ìý
Personally, or professionally, what are you most proud of?ÌýÌý
Coming to this country on my own as a first generation Indian, having the opportunity to earn my PA degree, with master’s in public health, overcoming the various challenges involved in becoming a US Citizen, and now being able to give back to the community. Most recently, I was asked by the PA Board, NCCPA, to participate in the Nephrology Standard Setting meeting in Atlanta for the CAQ Nephrology Exam which has also been one of the highlights of my career.ÌýÌý
If you didn’t have a career in medicine, what would you be doing?ÌýÌý
Traveling the world!
ÌýWhat hobbies do you enjoy outside of work? Ìý
I like to connect to nature with walks, hikes, enjoy weightlifting classes, spending time with family, traveling and most recently I
tried a dragon boat race and hope to represent the ºÚÁÏÍø Nephrology Team later this year. Ìý
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?Ìý
Pastries.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?Ìý
Learn to enjoy each moment in each day as tomorrow is not guaranteed.ÌýÌý
What do you hope to accomplish in the next year?Ìý
In the next year, I hope to continue growing and learning as I expand my role in nephrology working with clinic patients, providing preventive care medicine and build on my expertise in managing chronic kidney disease. I am also eager to work with APP center supporting my colleagues and the profession.ÌýÌý
What’s the last song you listened to?Ìý
ÌýBollywood songs.
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