Beebe Medical Group welcomes new providers

Beebe Healthcare is continuing to expand its base of clinical providers with a commitment to serving people who live, work and visit in Sussex County. The following new neurology, gastroenterology and mental health care specialists have joined Beebe Medical Group.

Patti McCarthy, MS, PA-C, is a physician assistant who specializes in care for patients diagnosed with a wide range of neurological conditions, including but not limited to cerebrovascular accidents, neuropathies, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and cognitive dysfunction. McCarthy sees adult patients at Beebe Neurology, located on Bayview Medical Drive in Lewes.

McCarthy is a graduate of Towson University, where she earned a master of science degree in physician assistant studies. While she was pursuing this degree, her clinical training rotated through private physician practices, hospitals, healthcare facilities and walk-in care clinics, giving her exposure and clinical experience in neurosurgical, internal medicine, women’s health, community medicine and urgent care settings. Prior to her PA studies, McCarthy earned a master of science degree in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University. She also graduated with a bachelor of science degree in physical education from Central Connecticut State University.

Prior to joining Beebe, McCarthy worked as a physician assistant for multiple ambulatory/urgent care centers within the University of Maryland Medical System. She was also previously employed in the advanced provider practitioner neuroscience residency program at Sinai Hospital, where she evaluated and treated patients in inpatient and outpatient settings. She is certified as a physician assistant in both Delaware and Maryland.

“I am grateful to be part of the Beebe Healthcare team, with a focus on the delivery of care in a close-knit, family-friendly community that I am proud to call home,” said McCarthy.

Gena Nance, MS, FNP-C, is a certified family nurse practitioner who sees patients at Beebe Gastroenterology Lewes and Millville, where she provides comprehensive care for adult patients diagnosed with a wide range of gastrointestinal issues.

Nance is a graduate of Salisbury University, where she earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing as well as a master of science family nurse practitioner degree. She is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the Delaware Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and the Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland.

Prior to joining Beebe, Nance worked as a nurse practitioner at both Atlantic General Gastroenterology and Peninsula Gastroenterology Associates. She began her career as a family nurse practitioner and worked in several primary care practices on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“As a resident of Sussex County, I’ve seen firsthand the increase in the area’s patient population and the need for more healthcare providers,” said Nance. “I’m excited to join the gastroenterology team at Beebe and help provide that needed care.”

Dawn Knowles, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who sees patients at Beebe Behavioral Health Lewes. She provides comprehensive care, medication management, and support services for adults with mental health and addiction issues.

Knowles earned her master of science degree in nursing from Walden University and her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Wilmington University.  She also is a graduate of Delaware Technical Community College, where she completed an associate of science degree in nursing. Prior to joining Beebe, Knowles worked as a nurse for both Sun Behavioral Health and Solution Nursing. Before that, she was a nurse at Stevenson House Detention Center. Earlier in her career, she worked in the emergency departments at both Beebe and Bayhealth, Kent Campus. She also served for four years in the U.S. Army, at which time she was deployed to Kosovo and was responsible for managing an office for an entire military base.

“Having previously worked as a nurse in the emergency department at Beebe Healthcare, I’m excited to be returning to support the mental health program, which is very much needed in Sussex County,” said Knowles. “I look forward to serving the community and helping those in need of mental health care.”

Knowles, McCarthy and Nance are employed by Beebe Medical Group, which includes 20-plus specialty offices in more than 40 office locations throughout Sussex County.