North Carolina has many PAs dedicated to patient health while leading the way for the profession.
Wendy Simmons, PA-C, was born in Oakville, Ontario and attended UNC-Wilmington, graduating with a BSc in Chemistry. She then attended PA school at Bowman Gray (now Wake Forest) School of Medicine, graduating in 1987.
Wendy is in her 23rd year of practice specializing in rheumatology at Carolina Arthritis Associates in Wilmington, where she currently resides. She spent six years prior to her work in rheumatology specializing in immunology.
Wendy was exposed to NCAPA as a PA student and quickly realized the benefit of having PA representation on a local and national level. She feels that without the support of NCAPA and AAPA, current and evolving issues are much more difficult to address. Soon after graduating from PA school, Wendy joined the Coastal Cape Fear Association of PAs, a regional chapter of NCAPA, where she now serves as Vice President.
Wendy serves as an advisor and mentor to future PAs. She has been appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Health and Human Sciences at UNCW, “representing the advancement of healthcare to help individuals, families, and communities of Southeastern NC live healthier, more prosperous and empowered lives.” She also serves on the steering committee of the Rheumatology Advanced Practice Providers (Rh-APP), a national association “dedicated to developing educational programs, providing professional advancement services, and assembling resources for—and guided by—advanced practice providers (APPs).” In conjunction with the Association of Women in Rheumatology, Wendy has published “The Road to Rheumatology: A Quick Start Guide for APPs”
Wendy has continued to treat patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping them on therapies and immunosupressive medications while providing education and safety guidance. She loves being a PA and empowering her patients and hopes the PA profession will continue to grow throughout North Carolina.
Thank you for providing such care to your patients and leading the way for other PAs throughout the state, Wendy!
