Julia Swafford, PA-C

Being a physician assistant is a second career for Karen—she went back to school when she was 48 years old! Why did she start over? Blessed with great mentors in both her career and at home, Karen was taught to always strive to be a better person and to never give up. She wanted a career where she could make a difference in someone's life. Her special interests are Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. Karen facilitates the Parkinson’s disease support group in Kalamazoo and helps lead the multiple sclerosis support group. She also helps organize the annual walk-a-thon for Parkinson’s disease and is a member of the Michigan Parkinson Foundation professional advisory board.

I think one of the most important aspects of care is to really take time to sit with the patient and connect with them. I try to answer all of their questions by giving them the time they need. I want them to know that we’re going to be with them as we work our way through the specific situation they are dealing with.