Preston Heath, PA - Beacon Bone & Joint Specialists Navarre

About Dr. Poulin It may surprise you to know that, originally, Dr. Thomas Poulin intended to become a dentist. However, his fraternity brothers had other ideas. They encouraged him to attend medical school with them at Indiana University School of Medicine – and the rest, as they say, is history. When it comes to his patients, Dr. Poulin believes that one-to-one communication is first and foremost. “I don’t use PAs or RNAs,” he says. “My patients have taught me the importance of listening to each and every one of them and personally understanding their symptoms. That makes diagnosis and treatment easier, and ultimately makes for better care.” In his own words… Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My parents, and the surgical staff I worked with during my residency at Medical College of Wisconsin. Do you come from a long line of physicians? No, I don’t. But I did have one uncle who was a doctor. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I was a grade school cafeteria dishwasher! I got free lunch as payment. What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food is Dover sole. I like any James Bond movie. What were your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My favorite subject in school was Math. My worst was French class. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Jesus Christ. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am most passionate about my family. My favorite hobby is golf. What question are you asked most often by those outside of medicine? How do you get up so early? What is something most people don’t know about you? My wife and I have been together for 58 years!

About Frank Pennoni With his immediate family all in the medical field, it was no question for Frank Pennoni, PA-C, that he would do something in the field. “My father has been the director of a laboratory for 25 years, and both my mom and sister are nurses,” he says. While a senior at Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, he learned about the PA profession. After doing some research, he loved the idea of being a PA and started the process of gaining patient care experience so he could apply for graduate school. He earned his Master of Science in Biology from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Indiana State University, Terre Haute. He enjoys the field for the variety of ENT cases he sees in a day -- a mixture of acute and chronic, or rare and common conditions in kids and adults. “From the most urgent condition-airway emergency to nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, thyroid problems, cancers, etc. – I will get to see it all,” he says. Frank is often asked what a PA does. He explains it is a licensed advanced practice provider who delivers direct patient care to all ages in most specialties. A PA performs physical exams, orders and interprets lab tests and imaging, develops and manages treatment plans, prescribes medications, and provides preventative care to patients, all while working under the supervision of their collaborating physician, he explains. While clinical schedules can get hectic, Frank says he treats each patient as if they were his mother or father. “I would want my family to receive the best possible care, so that is the goal I have with each patient,” he says. “Treat every patient as your family or friend. Treat them with the same dedication and commitment you would your loved ones.” In his own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My parents. They taught me the value of hard work, determination and resilience. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first job was Burger King. I remember it taught me how to have good people skills, and a sense of responsibility. What is your favorite food? Movie? Favorite food: Vietnamese food Favorite movie: The Green Mile What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subjects were math and sciences. My worst subject was art. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? Albert Einstein. He was a brilliant scientist and mathematician who changed our understanding of the universe. I would find it interesting to learn his perspective on the current state of science and technology. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? My family. I have three nephews and one niece. What are your hobbies, interests? My hobbies include golfing, playing basketball, exercising, watching sports and playing video games. Do you have pets? Yes, I have two cats – Luna and Aurora. What is something most people don’t know about you? I grew up on a farm. Also, I was on the chess team in middle school and we got seventh in the state.