Elliot D. Backer, MD

Endocrinology – the study of how hormones interact with the body – fascinates me. It has seen a tremendous transformation in the last 50 years. I love being in an academic medical setting where future physicians and medical professionals train. We all learn from each other. As a physician for more than 20 years, I have learned a great deal from listening to my patients. I always encourage patients and family members to ask questions. Having involved family members provides better results. Being partners in care with my patients helps them reach the best results. Helping patients and families with endocrine conditions is the most rewarding part of my job. Our family is delighted to be in New Hampshire, a place of beauty, history, and genuinely friendly people. There are many places to explore. We love hiking, cross country and downhill skiing.

As a nurse practitioner, I believe it is important to provide compassionate, personalized care by acknowledging each patient’s individual situation, actively listening to their concerns or questions, as well as providing education to both the patients and their loved ones. I strongly believe patients should feel well-informed and empowered to advocate for themselves and what is most important to them during their medical journey. With a background in oncology nursing, I also find it to be beneficial to approach every patient situation holistically, being mindful of the psychosocial impacts a diagnosis may have on each individual.

When I was young, my father was an EMT (emergency medical technician). Watching him drive an ambulance to help people in crisis sparked my interest in healthcare. Hematology became a personal passion of mine once I came to understand the impact a blood condition had on our family. Before I ever had the privilege of meeting my grandmother, multiple myeloma claimed her life. Since then, treatments have come a long way, and it’s a joy to be part of such a dynamic field of medicine. Today, thanks to many scientific advancements, we can offer more hope to more people. As a physician assistant, I do my best to help patients feel comfortable, treating them with warmth and respect. My work allows me to care for the critically ill and cultivate meaningful relationships along the way.