By AMY QUINLIVAN

Mineral Independent

The Jack Lincoln Memorial Clinic is welcoming new medical staff to its list of providers. Marissa Cadena is a Certified Physician Assistant and she will be working under the supervision of Dr. Lovell Monday through Friday in St. Regis.

Cadena received her Master’s Degree from the University of the Pacific in Sacramento, California and a bachelor’s degree in Health Science from Keiser University. She previously worked as a physician assistant in Coeur d'Alene in Primary Care and before taking her current position at the clinic in St. Regis she worked as a physician assistant for the US Army Reserve.

During her clinic rotations, Cadena focused mainly in Primary Care and worked in rural communities like those in Mineral County. And prior to Physician Assistant school, she worked as a medical assistant in a family practice as well as a medical assistant/surgical coordinator for an orthopedic surgeon for eight years.

Cadena said, “I started in medicine as a medical assistant, which gave me a good foundation and allowed me to see many different fields in medicine. I really admired physician assistants from their interactions with patients, to their clinical flow, and collaboration with physicians.”

She also shared, “I really enjoy my job and it's difficult to state anything specific, medicine is always changing and I like to make sure that I’m practicing with the most up-to-date medical information and reviewing the most recent studies.”

Cadena along with her husband David of 13 years, and their two sons are enjoying living in western Montana once again. She stated, “I grew up in Montana as a teenager and was happy to return after completing my education.” The part she loves the most she added, “The endless views. I'm always so amazed by the beauty of Montana.”

When she’s not wearing a white coat or scrubs in a clinic Cadena and her family enjoy the many outdoor activities this area offers, like hiking, biking, and fishing. Their family has also gotten hands on in a car project. Cadena said, “My husband restored a 1969 Chevelle, he enjoys working on muscle cars. I try to help when I can, but my husband does most of the work. Our 11-year-old son loves to work on the cars as well. It's a lot of work but very rewarding!”

And before you set up an appointment and meet her for the first time, here are a few fun facts about Cadena. At the age of 12, she participated in the Junior Olympics in Track and Field. She is also bilingual; she speaks English and Spanish. If she wasn’t a PA, she would have loved to become a Physical Therapist or maybe a Pharmacist.

But most of all Cadena want her future patients to know, “The most rewarding part of my job is helping patients within the community. I really enjoy my interactions with patients and knowing that I'm providing the best care possible.” She continued, “I hope to get to know the patients and residents within Mineral County and it's my goal to provide high-quality medical care to those within the community.”