Meet your Pad "Rheum" Clinic Team
About the
Medical Clinic
Paducah Rheumatology is a physician based practice dedicated to the treatment of arthritis and connective tissue diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, scleroderma, gout, vasculitis, and other inflammatory disorders. Many exciting new therapies are available for autoimmune diseases!
Look for us on
facebook.com/paducahrheumatology
Your Arthritis Solution Providers
Dr. Chris Phillips
Dr. Phillips did his undergraduate work at Furman University in Greenville SC, medical school at USC in Columbia SC, and did his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis MO.
He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and founded Paducah Rheumatology in 2010. Dr. Phillips is a member of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and serves as chair of the ACR’s Insurance Subcommittee as well as serving on the ACR’s Committee on Rheumatologic Care (CORC). He is originally from Fairmont WV, and he and his wife Katherine enjoy spending time with their three boys and golden doodle. In his spare time, he competes both domestically and internationally in triathlon, competing in several world championship events as part of USA Triathlon Team USA.
Jessica Frizzell, PA-C
Jessica Frizzell, PA-C received a Bachelors of Science in biology from Murray State University. After completing her undergraduate work, she attended the Bethel College PA Program in Makenzie, TN where she earned her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies in 2007.
She is nationally certified by the NCCPA. She has worked in various fields of primary care since graduation and has experience in family medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and urgent care. She is a member of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals and American Academy of Physician Assistants. She resides in Hickman County where she, her husband, and three children live on a small farm. She enjoys spending time with her family and is a UK Wildcat fan.
Your Arthritis Solution Providers
Dr. Chris Phillips
Dr. Phillips did his undergraduate work at Furman University in Greenville SC, medical school at USC in Columbia SC, and did his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis MO.
He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology and founded Paducah Rheumatology in 2010. Dr. Phillips is a member of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and is incoming chair of the ACR’s Committee on Rheumatologic Care (CORC), and is past chair of the Insurance Subcommittee (ISC). He is originally from Fairmont WV, and he and his wife Katherine enjoy spending time with their three boys and their beloved golden doodle and two bernadoodles. In his spare time, he competes both domestically and internationally in triathlon, competing in several world championship events as part of USA Triathlon Team USA.
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Jessica Frizzell, PA-C
Jessica Frizzell, PA-C received a Bachelors of Science in biology from Murray State University. After completing her undergraduate work, she attended the Bethel College PA Program in Makenzie, TN where she earned her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies in 2007.
She is nationally certified by the NCCPA. She has worked in various fields of primary care since graduation and has experience in family medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, and urgent care. She is a member of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals and American Academy of Physician Assistants. She resides in Hickman County where she, her husband, and three children live on a small farm. She enjoys spending time with her family and is a UK Wildcat fan.
Valerie McNamara, APRN
Valerie McNamara, APRN received her Associates Degree in Nursing from West Kentucky Community and Technical College in 2011. She then spent four years working as an intensive care nurse before completing her Masters of Science in Nursing at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN in 2015.
She is nationally certified through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Previously she has practiced inpatient medicine as a hospitalist, as well as practicing in urgent care and urology. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and the Kentucky Association of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse-Midwives. She resides in Graves County with her two sons. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, weightlifting, and watching Cardinal's Baseball.
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A Rheumatologist is a physician who is qualified, by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. After four years of medical school and three years of training in internal medicine, rheumatologists devote an additional two to three years in specialized rheumatology training.
Most rheumatologists who plan to treat patients choose to become board certified. Upon completion of their training, they must pass a rigorous exam conducted by the American Board of Internal Medicine to become certified.
Rheumatologists treat arthritis, autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout,
ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, osteoporosis, and tendonitis.
Many of these diseases can cause significant joint or organ damage, disability, or even death. With effective treatment, these complications can be minimized or prevented in many cases. The earlier an accurate diagnosis and treatment is arrived at, the better the long term prognosis.