ROCKINGHAM — Growing up in a family of health care providers as the oldest of five siblings in Houston gave Ernie Tamez, PA-C, a glimpse into the world of medicine.
“My father is a pharmacist and a physician, and being around medical books exposed me to medicine early,” says Tamez.
Initially, he followed the career path of his mother, an audiologist, and became a speech pathologist.
“I found it satisfying, but medicine was always a calling,” says Tamez. “That’s when I decided to pursue PA studies.”
After more than 18 years as a physician assistant in his native Texas, Tamez is moving east to join Jeff Kern, PA-C, at FirstHealth Family Medicine-Rockingham in September. The opportunity to develop close relationships with his patients and help them achieve their health goals is a philosophy he will bring with him to North Carolina.
“The most rewarding thing about being a PA is playing a part in someone’s life that is paramount to their well-being,” Tamez says. “It is a privilege to help manage their health through various ups and downs, as well as keeping an open dialogue to work toward their health needs and goals.”
Tamez says FirstHealth will give him the chance to work with patients from various economic, cultural, educational and social backgrounds.
“I enjoy these diversities tremendously, and this new role provides that,” says Tamez. “It’s rewarding to strive, to the best of my ability, to connect with these patients from various backgrounds.”
Fluent in Spanish, Tamez says his proficiency in a second language has helped him care for a large number of patients.
“Speaking and writing in Spanish has definitely helped me connect with patients. It provides them with a sense of comfort and trust.”
Since 2001, Tamez has served as a physician assistant at Sweet Vida Medical Center in Austin, Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Texas Pan American, as well as a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in speech pathology from the University of Texas at El Paso.
Moving to North Carolina gives Tamez a chance to continue the active lifestyle he enjoys. He’s a competitive triathlete and distance runner, among other outdoor interests.
“I love the outdoors and experiencing nature through hiking, camping and fishing,” says Tamez. A self-described “huge Beatles fan,” he has played guitar and bass guitar in several bands, and recently started playing flamenco guitar in his spare time.
FirstHealth Family Medicine-Rockingham is located at 104 Physicians Park Drive. To schedule an appointment with Ernie Tamez, PA-C, call 910-895-1989.
