Meet Amy Whitsa, PA-C | WFMC Health
When you’re looking for a healthcare provider, you want someone who listens, explains things clearly, and helps you feel confident about your care. Amy Whitsa, PA-C, brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to her work at WFMC Health.
As a physician associate in family medicine, Amy cares for patients ages 12 and up, partnering with them to navigate both everyday health needs and long-term conditions with clarity, compassion, and trust.
Her Path Into Healthcare
Amy’s path into healthcare grew from a lifelong interest in science and a desire to do meaningful, hands-on work. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Gonzaga University, originally thinking she might become a veterinarian.
“I always knew I really enjoyed science and I wanted to study science in school,” she shared.
After working in a veterinary clinic, Amy realized something important about herself.
“I enjoyed the medicine aspect, but learned about myself that I really wanted to work with the people more so than the animals,” she said.
That realization led her to Idaho State University, where she completed her physician assistant studies. Having grown up in Silverton, Amy knew she wanted to return to the Salem area to practice medicine and serve the community she calls home.
Healthcare is also a family calling. Amy’s mother is a nurse practitioner, and that influence mattered.
“I watched her do that, so she was an inspiration for me too,” Amy said. “I think she’s a big part of the reason I went into medicine.”
Her Role at WFMC Health
At WFMC Health, Amy practices family medicine and sees patients ages 12 and older. She is a physician associate (formerly known as a physician assistant) and also speaks Spanish, allowing her to better connect with more patients and families in the community.
Before joining WFMC Health in January of 2026, Amy worked in endocrinology with a focus on diabetes management—an area she continues to be passionate about.
“That’s a little bit of a passion of mine,” she explained, especially when it comes to helping patients manage chronic conditions and celebrate progress along the way.
“Our mission here truly is to provide good patient care.”
Amy Whitsa, PA-C
How She Cares for Patients
For Amy, good healthcare starts with listening.
“First off, I definitely want them to feel like they were heard,” she said. “Like they were able to have their concerns addressed.”
If everything can’t be handled in one visit, she makes sure there’s a clear next step.
“If we didn’t have time to address everything, that we made a plan for a follow-up and for addressing things further,” Amy explained.
She also wants patients to feel confident in the care plan they leave with.
“I want them to feel confident in the recommendations I gave… that they feel like they can trust that,” she said.
In today’s world, where patients often arrive with information from Google or AI tools, Amy sees her role as helping make sense of it all.
“There’s a lot of information that today we can access on our own,” she noted. “I think just really having that trust piece is important.”
When she doesn’t agree with what someone found online, she focuses on clear communication.
“Just being really clear with communicating what we’re doing and why we’re doing it,” Amy said.
What You Can Expect as a Patient
When you see Amy, you can expect care that’s thoughtful, collaborative, and individualized.
“I think feeling heard is definitely… something I look for when I go to a healthcare provider,” she shared, and that belief shapes how she practices medicine every day.
Amy recognizes that healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all and that patients bring different goals, concerns, and life circumstances into every visit.
Why WFMC Health Matters to Her
Amy believes WFMC Health stands out because of its mission and priorities.
“Our mission here truly is to provide good patient care,” she said.
She values being part of an organization focused on serving people and the community, rather than growth for growth’s sake.
“I think ultimately our mission… is to treat the patients and to serve the community,” Amy explained. “And that’s part of what makes this place so special.”
She also appreciates the team environment at WFMC Health.
“I already know what a fantastic team we have here,” she said. “That makes a huge difference, when you have coworkers you can rely on who help you get through those tough days.”
A Little More About Amy
Outside of work, Amy spends most of her time with her husband and their young daughter. Their days often include trips to parks, the library, and Salem’s Gilbert House Children’s Museum. She also plays indoor soccer, which she enjoys as a way to stay active.
And here’s a fun fact many patients wouldn’t expect:
“I did pole vaulting for a while,” Amy said. “I wasn’t very good at it, but that was something fun I used to do in high school.”
A Warm Welcome
Amy is grateful to care for patients at WFMC Health and to be part of a team that recognizes medicine isn’t black and white.
“Patients all have different wants and needs,” she said. “Treating people where they’re at… is something that we do a good job of here.”
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re looking for a primary care provider who takes time to listen and partner with you, WFMC Health is accepting new patients.
Our team is here to support you and your family with compassionate, community-centered care. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact WFMC Health today.