Shelby L. Kerns, PA

Shelby Kerns is board-certified through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). She completed her PA training at Bryant University in Rhode Island. Shelby joined the Praxair Cancer Center in September of 2023. She provides comprehensive care to each patient throughout their surgical course. In her free time, Shelby enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her friends and family.

Why should someone choose you to care for their health?
I strive to build strong relationships with my patients seeing them as individuals – not illnesses. My goal is to create an environment that facilitates open communication between myself, the patients and the physicians.

What is the most important thing your patients should expect from their professional relationship with you? What do you expect from them?
My patients should expect that I will listen to their concerns and advocate for them while also providing realistic expectations. I expect my patients to engage in their care and ask questions.

How do you spend your valuable personal time when you’re not caring for patients?
I enjoy traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends. I also love any activity that allows me to get outside and enjoy some fresh air.

Why did you choose your specialty and what is its greatest reward?
I chose surgical oncology because of the ability to support patients throughout all aspects of their surgical journey. Daily I am challenged to continually learn and expand my knowledge. The greatest reward is seeing first-hand how resilient patients are time and time again.