“From a young age, I’ve always wanted to help people. Absolutely, I know I’m in the right place,” says Physician Assistant Lacey McManus, the newest member of Trinity Community Health Center’s extensive healthcare team.
Trinity CEO Deano Thornton shares his excitement for Lacey, the patients and the organization with her addition to the health center.
Lacey came on board with Trinity June 4 but she’s no newcomer to the healthcare field. After receiving her BA degree in PA Studies at the LSU Health Sciences Center in 2009, she went to work with Dr. Eric Dupree at his Winnfield office where she worked for 15 years, over time taking on some managerial responsibilities.
The Winn native, daughter of Toby Gorham, is a 2003 WSHS graduate. Viewing a medical career, she attended LSU in Baton Rouge in pre-med. But in the first year or so, she discovered the Physician Assistant track and became interested. “I spoke with Tony Acosta, a PA right here in Winnfield, and decided it was right for me.”
Asked the role of a Physician Assistant, Lacey replies, “We evaluate and treat patients, similar to what a doctor would do, with some restrictions. We prescribe drugs. We can even participate in surgery. We work under a supervising physician and must be certified under those areas that the supervisor delegates. Our physician is Dr. Joan Walker.”
When Dr. Dupree decided to relocate his practice, Lacey observes “I wanted to remain here in the community I’ve always loved. I was delighted when this opportunity with Trinity Community Health Center came about.”
She stresses, “I love what I do. I always make the effort to ensure each patient knows that I have time for them…they’re not rushed. I want to help build their confidence in me. I don’t claim to be an expert in all areas but I’ll work together with our team to find a solution for a problem.”
The PA says she likes to promote the health and well-being of her patients. She doesn’t want her patients to wait only until they’re sick to come in. She encourages wellness checks and appropriate screenings along the way.
Lacey and her husband, Trey McManus, have been married 19 years. They have a daughter Finlay, 14, and a son Micah, 13. They lost their younger son Chase, 11, this past December.
She also serves as the District 1 member of the Winn Parish School Board.
Trinity Community Health Care just celebrated 15 years of “Primary Health Care Service Regardless One’s Ability to Pay.” The FQHC offers primary care medicine, pediatrics, mental health and behavioral services, dental health, podiatry, pharmacy and at some centers, gastro-intestinal services, as well as diagnostic testing in eye care and diabetics, through seven clinics in Winn, Grant, Bienville, Lincoln, Rapides and Avoyelles parishes plus 40 school-based clinics in Winn and Rapides parishes.
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