TURNER —  announces board-certified physician assistant Rachel Samardak has joined its team.

She attended the Le Moyne physician assistant program where she became certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

Samardak practices health care with an emphasis on open communication and empowerment. “When patients feel comfortable and there is open communication between provider and patient, it creates channels for patients to better understand their health,” she said. “It empowers them to make decisions and take control. I always seek to answer questions in the best possible way because knowledge is power.”

Samardak focuses on family medicine with a special interest in dermatology and women’s health.

Prior to joining DFD Russell Medical Centers, she worked in a hospital setting where she gained experience treating acute and chronic medical conditions.