University of Vermont Health Network’s system-wide approach to provider recruitment, retention focuses on delivering high-quality care in local communities

PLATTSBURGH, NY – Patients in northern New York will see improved access to advanced care close to home in several health specialties, including cardiology, dermatology, critical care, pulmonology and urology, as successful recruitment efforts by University of Vermont Health Network bring six new providers to the region. 

Ensuring access to high quality, essential health care close to home is the driving force behind the system-wide recruitment effort, said Ramsey Herrington, MD, UVM Health Network’s executive vice president for clinical affairs. “Recruiting and retaining dedicated providers in the communities we serve is a critical element of our path forward,” Dr. Herrington said. “When our patients have a physical need or complaint or need medical information, they expect to be able to see a provider as soon as possible and as close to home as possible.”  

At a time when the demand for health care providers continues to outpace supply nationally, especially in rural communities, UVM Health Network has made notable progress hiring physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs). APPs, health care professionals who have completed advanced training allowing them to provide a wide range of medical services, play a critical role in expanding access to quality care throughout the health care system. By the end of September, 90 new physicians and 57 advanced practice providers will be practicing in the region. 

“Recruiting providers to rural communities is a challenge, but we’ve been able to overcome obstacles in many instances because of a collaborative and creative approach across our system and the support of the community,” said Lisa Mark, MD, chief medical officer at UVM Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH).  

“We know that providers today are looking for flexibility in how they practice and the opportunity for mobility – to be able to grow within a system,” Dr. Mark said. “We’ve been able to meet their needs, and that will help us meet our patients’ needs.” 

Now accepting new patients in New York: 

Casey Barcomb, PA, dermatology – Barcomb holds a bachelor’s degree from D’Youville College and is board certified physician assistant. He practices at CVPH Dermatology, 214 Cornelia St. Suite 103, 518-314-3070.

Anusha Devarajan, MD, pulmonology and critical care – After graduating from Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Dr. Devarajan completed an internal medicine residency at Westchester Medical Center. She completed two fellowships one in sleep medicine at the University of Michigan Health System and another in pulmonary and critical care at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. She practices at CVPH Pulmonology, 206 Cornelia St., Suite 307, 518-562-7705. 

Amr Essa, MD, cardiology – Dr. Essa is a graduate of Benha University College of Human Medicine and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. He completed a residency in internal medicine at Creighton University of School of Medicine and a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at the Medical College of Georgia – Augusta University. He is practicing at CVPH Cardiology, 214 Cornelia St., Suite 203, 518-314-3420 

Amine Nasri, MD, cardiology – Dr. Nasri is a graduate of the University de Montreal and completed residencies in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease there. His fellowships in cardiology and interventional cardiology were completed at Temple University Hospital. Board certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology, he practices at CVPH Cardiology, 214 Cornelia St., Suite 203, 518-314-3420.  

Joseph C. Pierson, MD, dermatology – Dr. Pierson is a graduate of Northeastern Ohio University College of Medicine and completed a residency in dermatology at Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Board certified in dermatology, he practices at CVPH Dermatology, 214 Cornelia St. Suite 103,  
518-314-3070.  

Alexander Plochocki, MD, urology – Dr. Plochocki graduated from the Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University and then completed a residency in urology at the University of Vermont Medical Center. He is practicing at CVPH Urology, 15 Degrandpre Way, 518-314-3900.  

Michelle LeBeau, president at CVPH and Alice Hyde Medical Center, said she’s excited about the arrival of these new providers. “Improving access to physicians and advanced practice providers not only improves our communities’ health, but it reduces the strain on our existing staff, helping to prevent burnout and turnover. These new providers are wonderful additions to our organization and community.”  

LeBeau added that over the next few months, a neurologist, a gastroenterologist, two ENTs and several orthopedic surgeons, an interventional radiology and a hematologist/oncologist will also be joining the health system’s medical group and caring for patients in northern New York.