Meet Members of Your Care Team: Physician Assistant Samantha Miyashita and Nurse Practitioner Kelly Rojas

They’re not officially the Dynamic Duo, but that is how they’re seen by a lot of their Ryan Health colleagues.

Physician Assistant Samantha Miyashita, PA-C, and Nurse Practitioner Kelly Rojas, MS-N, FNP-BC, while both relatively new to Ryan Health | West 97th Street, have nonetheless made an impression.

“Yes, they call us the Dynamic Duo because we share an office space, we started around the same time, and we’re both new grads,” Kelly says. “We’re always bouncing ideas off each other and discussing patient care plans. We’re both very supportive.”

And both have worked for community health centers before. Both Samantha and Kelly jumped right into the swing at Ryan Health, working in family medicine and seeing patients of all ages, although most patients are adults.

Kelly received her Bachelor of Science from Manhattan College in Riverdale, NY, and her Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Columbia University School of Nursing.

Samantha received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland at College Park, and her Master’s of Health Sciences from Duke University, which was the first PA program created. She has clinical experience in several specialties.

“Being able to take care of the population that Ryan Health serves is rewarding and not something I take for granted,” Samantha says. “Our patients have been underserved, or even forgotten by the healthcare system. It’s a pleasure working with them and getting to know them not just as a medical history, but as a person.”

Kelly echoes that sentiment. “Healthcare should be a space where every patient is heard, respected, and empowered,” she says. “We understand that people have faced multiple barriers in the healthcare system. I want to build a care setting based on respect and trust, with values and goals in the forefront of our healthcare plans.”

Kelly is fluent in Spanish and grew up speaking Spanish at home. She often sees Spanish-speaking patients and knows that it may be more comfortable for them to discuss their health issues in Spanish instead of English.

While she was at Columbia, Kelly co-founded Latinx Nurses organization, an educational space for Latin nurses and patients. The group heard from outside resources about the field and profession and created programs to provide a sense of unity and shared experiences.

Samantha’s interest in public health grew out of a high school project raising money for a learning center in Senegal, which she visited. Then in college, she spent time in Sierra Leone leading health education workshops on topics such as sanitation and first aid, which sparked her interest in pursuing a clinical role in healthcare. Ultimately, she majored in public health and minored in global poverty and sustainability studies.

Samantha is enjoying living in the city with her boyfriend for the first time and loves the New York City food scene. She has friends and family from growing up in Westchester, along with friends from PA school, and explores new spots to hang out in.

Kelly spends time with her partner and extended family in Yonkers, where she grew up. She’s exploring cafes and bookstores, and exercises in the gym — lifting, not cardio!

So, whether they really are a Dynamic Duo or not, both Samantha Miyashita and Kelly Rojas are bringing new energy to Ryan Health.