HUNTINGTON, IN – Harrison Smith, PA, has joined the Parkview Physicians Group (PPG) – Family Medicine team in Huntington and is caring for patients in the primary care office at 2003 Stults Road, Suite 100.
“We are very fortunate that Harrison has chosen to serve patients in Huntington County,” said Deb Potempa, market president, Parkview Health South. “He really enjoys getting to know those he serves, and his enthusiasm and willingness to listen to their needs and concerns make him a great addition to the Family Medicine team.”
Smith began his medical career working as an emergency care technician in Parkview Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department. During his PA training, his clinical experiences included rotations in diverse areas, such as general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, obstetrics, hospital medicine, psychiatry and primary care.
Smith completed his master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Fort Wayne’s University of Saint Francis (USF). He also attended USF for his undergraduate studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology specifically designed for aspiring medical professionals planning to become physician assistants.
Smith is board certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. He is a member of the Indiana Association of Physician Assistants.
Hailing from the New Haven/Monroeville area, he chose to practice medicine in northeast Indiana to remain close to his many family members across the region. He credits his grandfather with inspiring his interest in the medical field.
“I was close with my grandfather, who would always talk about the medical issues he had, and I wanted to understand what he was talking about – that led me to medicine,” said Smith. “I have always loved to learn and solve problems.”
Smith says that curiosity and problem-solving drive attracted him to family medicine: “Primary care gives me a chance to help people with a variety of health issues. I am someone you can turn to whether you have anxiety or depression or chest pain or a rash. I’m not restricted to focusing on just one body system; I can get to know each person and work with them as a unique individual with complex needs.”
Away from the office, Smith enjoys family time, Indianapolis Colts football, Purdue University basketball and travel to Michigan. He is an avid snowmobiler and ATV rider. In addition, he helps out on a family friend’s farm raising wheat, beans and corn.
“I also enjoy working in the garage on vehicles of all kinds,” said Smith. “Mechanics and medical providers have similarities; we both diagnose problems and figure out the best way to ‘fix’ them.”
He has volunteered with the Community Harvest Food Bank and Christian Community Healthcare Clinic in Grabill, and said he plans to investigate volunteer opportunities as he puts down professional roots in the Huntington area.
Smith is enjoying getting to know his patients and their families. Moving to Huntington has also provided a boost in his personal life.
“I took this position in Huntington and met my girlfriend, who grew up just outside Huntington near Andrews, at almost the same time,” he said. “It feels like I was meant to be here.”
Smith is accepting new patients. For information or appointment scheduling, call 260-356-5424.
