“Working as an X-ray tech, I always knew I wanted to do more, be more, help people more. But I didn’t know how,” Dawn Sodders shares. “That is until one day I saw some physician assistants at work. They spent a lot of time caring for their patients. It helped me see that that is what I want.”
Dawn, now a PA-C herself, received her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati and her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Presbyterian College in Greenville, S.C. She has always had a passion for helping those in need. Her hope is to one day establish a free clinic in her community.
“I had a lot of help to get me to PA school,” Dawn shares. “I have a deep desire to give back to communities as a way to say thank you to all of the people who have helped me.”
Now, Dawn is excited to be returning to Cincinnati to join the orthopedics team at The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health.
“I was a previous employee of this ministry and have always loved what they stand for as well as the amount of help they offer communities,” Dawn says. “They always supported me as a student and an employee before PA school.”
Dawn is also looking forward to helping patients recover from orthopedic surgeries.
“I like orthopedics because I get an equal amount of time helping people after they are injured and helping people who want to improve their quality of life through joint replacements,” she explains. “Overall, the most rewarding part of orthopedics is helping people get back into doing the things they enjoy.”
Dawn believes that the patient-provider relationship is deeper than just treating the illness. It is a relationship built on trust.
“I want to provide care for mind, body and spirit,” Dawn shares. “I will help you recover after surgery, but I will also pray for you and be an ear to listen.”
Dawn recalls one patient interaction that had an impact on her as well as her view of health care.
“As a student, I cared for a woman with no family. I was able to sit with her, calm her and treat her. After she was better and released from the hospital, she wrote me the sweetest letter thanking me for being her friend. That’s what medicine is all about.”
When Dawn is not helping others, she enjoys practicing physical fitness and watching her daughter play soccer or doing gymnastics. She also loves watching sports, especially Green Bay Packers football and Cincinnati Bearcats basketball.
Learn more about the orthopedics and sports medicine services we offer at Mercy Health.
