Leslie Sharp Lewis, PA

Helping people live healthier lives has always been a passion of mine, so a career as a physician assistant was a logical choice. I began my career in emergency medicine, where I gained valuable experience in acute care and quick decision making. I transitioned to family medicine to achieve a better work-life balance, and so I could develop relationships with my patients over time instead of seeing them once in an acute care setting. I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families, and I am honored to walk alongside them through all stages of life. I believe that true well-being involves treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. I want to take in everything a patient communicates, both verbally and nonverbally. That is key to understanding their needs. I want to be an advocate for them, whether they are navigating the healthcare system or following through with a treatment plan. I believe everyone, regardless of where they live or what medical challenges they face, deserves access to remarkable care. My husband, Clay, and I have two sweet poodles, Sophie and Bella. In my free time, I enjoy seeing family, cooking, exercising and serving in the kids' ministry of my church. I recently learned how to play mahjong and have come to enjoy it as a fun and relaxing hobby. My husband and I are passionate about travel and make it a goal to explore a new country together each year. We also hope to begin scuba diving.

I cannot imagine my life or career if it did not involve helping others and taking care of patients. Family medicine is more than a job for me; it is a calling. It is a truly awesome thing to be able to care for entire families, sometimes including three or four generations. That range of ages not only allows me to see a variety of patients, but to provide just as wide a variety of care. That makes it exciting to come to work every day. \n One thing I value in my relationships with my patients is straightforward communication. I "tell it like it is," and talk to my patients as I would a friend or a family member. I want patients to feel comfortable asking or telling me anything, and I aim to answer every question and listen to every concern. I provide recommendations and suggestions, and try to make sure each patient feels empowered and actively involved in making their own medical decisions. \n When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband. We especially love traveling together and are always up for exploring new places. I also enjoy staying active by golfing and running. When I need to slow down, you will often find me reading a suspense novel or watching Virginia Tech football.