Dr. Karen Ng is this year’s winner of the Golden Stethoscope Award, which recognizes an exemplary clinician who demonstrates clinical excellence and a commitment to compassionate patient care. Dr. Ng is a Family Medicine physician who has been with PCHC since 2001 and currently cares for patients at our Atwood Health Center. She is pictured here receiving the award from Dr. Nadine Hewamudalige, VP and Chief Medical Officer.

Dr. Ng joined PCHC after completing her residency in family practice at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. Dr. Ng previously worked at our Olneyville and Central Health Centers. She also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. Dr. Ng took time to answer a few questions about her team’s approach to patient care and her 25 years with PCHC.

You and your team have always ranked high in terms of quality care. How do you accomplish that?
Exactly as you put it – as a TEAM! I have been incredibly fortunate to have the same amazing HCA – Jessica Solis – working with me for almost 10 years and we’ve worked with great nurses as well. Jessica, the nurses, and I work with preview charts before the day. I love sticky notes, so I make notes to myself about what a patient may be due for so that I don’t forget to offer it.

What is special about the patient/provider relationship?
The trust that patients put in partnering with providers regarding their health is what I value and take seriously. Patients will share so much with us. I especially love taking care of families and sharing all the ups and downs with patients, helping them navigate issues related to their health.

You joined PCHC in 2001. What are your reflections on your 25 years with PCHC?
PCHC was a great place for me to learn and grow as a new physician out of training. I’m still learning all the time from my patients and my colleagues. While there have sometimes been challenging times, at the end of the day, I try to stay focused on taking good care of my patients and improving the health of our community. In many of our hard-working and immigrant families, I see similarities with my own immigrant parents who were just trying to provide better opportunities for their children.

Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
I’m very lucky to have a very understanding husband and 20 year-old twin daughters. Through the years, work has sometimes come before family time but they have never complained.