(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation Emergency Department's unveiling of the Primary Care Access Point & Urgent Care Annex marks a transformative stride toward enhancing healthcare delivery in Saipan. This newly activated facility is designed to fast-track care for urgent cases and forge new pathways to primary care for those who traditionally face barriers in accessing healthcare services.
At the helm of this innovative venture are Dr. Matthew Nelson and Physician Assistant Thomas Vascik, whose leadership and expertise are critical to the annex's success. Dr. Nelson, the Emergency Department chairman, brings a rich tapestry of experience and dedication to the community's health and well-being. After relocating to Saipan in April 2020, his journey from Peace Corps service to becoming a pivotal figure in emergency medicine in Saipan illustrates a profound commitment to community healthcare. His educational path led him from St. Louis University, where he graduated medical school in 2008, to the Family Medicine Residency of Idaho, completed in 2011. Dr. Nelson's career has spanned roles in rural emergency rooms, management of an outpatient family medicine clinic, directorship at an ambulance district and EMT Training School in Idaho, and positions in urgent care. His move to Saipan, motivated by the island's sense of community and natural beauty, has been enriching for his family, fostering a deep connection to the local culture and healthcare landscape.
"We chose to move to Saipan for the sense of community and the natural beauty of the island and culture”, said Dr. Nelson. “Here, we've found a new home and community where my wife has a renewed passion for her profession and where my son is thriving. I am privileged not just to provide emergency medical care but to be part of something bigger, with opportunities to contribute to and improve medical care in the CNMI,” he added.
Complementing Dr. Nelson's leadership is Thomas Vascik, a seasoned physician assistant with 20 years of emergency department experience at a Level II hospital in Washington State. Vascik's interest in joining the Saipan healthcare team stems from his desire to blend professional growth with his passion for travel and cultural exploration. His approach to medicine emphasizes efficiency, teamwork, and patient-centered care, making him a valuable asset to the PCAP/Urgent Care Annex. Vascik looks forward to leveraging his extensive clinical and leadership skills to contribute to Saipan's diverse and remote community.
The PCAP/Urgent Care Annex is poised to play a pivotal role in CHCC's healthcare ecosystem. Equipped with modern medical technology and a dedicated team, the annex aims to deliver expedited care to urgent cases and seamlessly integrate patients into primary care settings. In alignment with CHCC’s mission and vision, this initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing healthcare accessibility and improving patient outcomes in the CNMI.
Special acknowledgment must also be given to the CHCC leadership, whose vision and determination were the driving forces behind the creation of the PCAP/Urgent Care Annex.
For more information regarding the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, visit www.chcc.health/, its social media pages, or email communications@chcc.health/.
