Kathryn A. Hynes, MSN, APRN

My goal is to help my patients understand their injury or diagnosis so that we can talk about the best treatment options. The right solution for each patient depends their activity level and what they want to achieve. Listening to my patients and understanding what bothers them most is so important. After we talk, I perform an exam, discuss the imaging they’ve had, and talk about the next steps. Sometimes, surgery is the right choice. Sometimes, non-surgical treatment is the best approach. I chose to specialize in hand and upper extremity surgery because of the complex anatomy. I love the variety in my work, and that I get to work with bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. I love being able to help people improve and get back to their jobs and activities they love to do. The most rewarding part of my job is watching people recover and improve.

I chose to work in family medicine because I want to help people in all stages of their life. I love having the chance to treat the whole person and to form long-term relationships with my patients. My goal is to help my patients understand their condition and feel comfortable with their care plan. I believe in using shared decision-making with my patients to help them find the best treatment that fits their health goals and lifestyle. I am a great listener. Every patient has a unique life story that makes them who they are. It is my job to make them feel understood and never judged. I do my best to support my patients while they achieve their goals. Before being a physician assistant, I was a high school athletic trainer. In that role, I saw the importance of being a stable figure on a patient's treatment team. Then and now, the most rewarding part of my work is seeing my patients heal and return to the activities they love.

I grew up playing baseball and lacrosse so I know the profound effect injuries can have on physical activities. My work in sports medicine allows me to share my interests with patients while helping them get back to the pastimes they love. There’s nothing more rewarding than that. As head team physician for Franklin Pierce University and the future head team physician for Keene State College, I have the opportunity to work with athletes of all ages and skill levels. I look forward to continuing to serve our great community. My goal with every patient is to develop an individualized treatment plan designed to improve their pain, maximize their function, and achieve their physical goals. This begins with compassionate care and patient education. That’s why I like to open every visit by asking what my patient’s goals are so I can better understand their needs. I take time to explain their injury and listen to their perspective. If patients leave my office feeling confident, I know I’ve done my job. When family members are involved, I often educate patients and their loved ones together so everyone understands their roles and how they can help. Collaboratively, we develop a plan of care, set expectations, and re-evaluate those expectations as we progress. Defining success depends on a patient’s goals. For some, success may look like a return to their sport of choice. For others, it may be walking pain-free. No matter the situation, it's often a vulnerable time for my patients. Helping them heal and grow strong again is the best part of my job.