Sara Sawka Mazzarelli, MHS, PA-C, joined the department in this spring as a PA seeing patients at Duke Family Medicine North Duke Street. Mazzarelli graduated from the Duke Physician Assistant Program in 2013, and earned her BA in Biological Sciences from Mount Holyoke College in 2009.
Where were you practicing/working previous to Duke? What was your role there?
I have worked as a physician assistant in both rural and urban community health centers in central North Carolina, and continue to have a passion for health equity and population health. I also have a background in emergency medicine. Most recently, I worked as a PA at Lincoln Community Health Center, a federally qualified health center in Durham with a focus on the medically underserved.
Why did you choose to join Duke Family Medicine & Community Health?
Years ago, I was actually here as a student! It was an easy decision to return home to Duke Family Medicine & Community Health. It’s a really dynamic environment that’s open to new ideas and provides opportunities for ongoing learning. The department values collegiality and quality improvement, which are so important for providing good patient care in a team setting. I am excited to continue to work with the greater Durham community in this new role.
What is your clinical focus/what types of patients will you be taking care of at Duke? At what clinic/locations will you be working?
As a family medicine provider, I care for patients of all ages. At our clinic at North Duke Street, we are currently accepting patients ages 6 and up. Whether coming in for preventive care, sick visits, or following up on multiple ongoing medical concerns, I am here for you.
What is your approach to clinical care?
I want my patients to feel understood, valued, and safe. I have been greatly impacted by my patients’ stories, their strength, what they have endured, and how they persevere. Every patient is unique, and this diversity is part of what makes this role so wonderful. My goal is to meet my patients where they’re at, recognizing that that’s how we are going to get to where they want to go with their health. And, of course, using evidenced based treatment along the way.
Are there any major clinical care initiatives you have been a part of or are currently working on?
In addition to general family medicine, I have additional interests in child and adolescent medicine, diabetes, infectious disease, dermatology, public health, refugee health, LGBT health, and chronic disease management.
Is there any other information you would like to share?
I am the Epic Superuser for the department. Let me know if I can be of help!