MEMA is thrilled to introduce our newest Advanced Practice Provider, Tori Campbell, PA-C. Get to know more about her in this spotlight feature!
Please tell us which program you chose for your Physician Assistant studies. Why did this program make the top of your list?
I attended Midwestern University in Phoenix, Arizona, for PA school because it felt like the perfect fit. Midwestern was the first program I interviewed with, and I quickly knew I’d be heading west for my PA education. The university has an excellent academic reputation, but what stood out to me most was how comfortable I felt with the faculty and students. It was clear how much the students loved the program and how supported they felt by their professors. I was also excited to learn alongside students from other health disciplines, as Midwestern is a major health professional school. The beautiful hiking trails nearby and the constant sunshine were just bonuses! My experience during the didactic and clinical years exceeded my expectations, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be an MWU alum.
Tell us more about how you came to choose the field of medicine. What about becoming a PA was attractive?
In high school, I participated in a summer program that allowed students to shadow professionals in various fields. I had the chance to shadow a cardiologist and her PA, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted a healthcare career. After several more shadowing experiences over the next few years, I became certain that the PA profession was the perfect fit for me. I was continually impressed by the PAs I observed—their diverse clinical backgrounds, collaborative approach to patient care, and their ability to build strong connections with patients. I was also drawn to the profession’s flexibility, the opportunity for lateral mobility between specialties, and its strong work-life balance.
How did you choose Emergency Medicine as your specialty?
Emergency medicine providers are true generalists, uniquely positioned to use the full scope of their medical training. Every day brings something different, and I love the challenge of encountering the full spectrum of diseases and conditions that can walk through the door. It’s a specialty that demands quick thinking, strong teamwork, and the ability to rapidly build rapport with patients you’ve just met—often in their most vulnerable moments. The privilege of caring for patients and their families during these critical times is what makes emergency medicine so rewarding.
What do you enjoy most about your day-to-day practice?
My favorite part of day-to-day practice is engaging with patients from diverse backgrounds and the privilege of being a part of their healthcare journey. Every patient brings their unique story, and I find it incredibly rewarding to connect with them, understand their concerns, and contribute to their care. Whether it’s addressing a complex medical issue or providing support during a challenging time, being involved in their healthcare and witnessing their progress truly makes the role fulfilling.
What led you to practice with MEMA?
By the end of my emergency medicine rotation in PA school, I knew that emergency medicine was the career path I wanted to pursue—specifically in Charlotte. I first learned about the MEMA APP Postgraduate Certificate Program from a provider I had worked with, and it immediately piqued my interest. After speaking with several current MEMA APPs and shadowing a MEMA physician, I was fully committed to applying. Every interaction during this process reinforced how much MEMA values and supports its APPs, offering exceptional training through a well-structured mentorship program. I feel incredibly fortunate to be starting my career within the MEMA APP Postgraduate Certificate Program!
Has there been one patient, staff member, or caregiver story that has stuck with you?
Before starting PA school, I volunteered at a community health clinic on Wednesday nights. One evening, we saw a new patient who had struggled with poorly controlled diabetes for most of his life. He had been uninsured for years and had finally secured coverage. As he sat before me, he described the toll the disease had taken on him—severe neuropathy, retinopathy, and a daily battle with pain and limited vision. But that evening, there was hope in his voice. He was excited to finally receive the insulin he had long been unable to afford, believing it could reverse some of the complications he was enduring. However, as his provider spoke to him, the conversation turned from hopeful to heartbreaking. The reality set in: the damage from years of uncontrolled diabetes was irreversible. Insulin could help manage his condition moving forward, but the neuropathy and retinopathy were permanent. The patient sat in silence, processing the gravity of this news, realizing that the complications he had hoped to overcome would stay with him for the rest of his life.
This experience profoundly shaped my view on the importance of patient education. While it wasn’t directly tied to emergency medicine, it was a powerful reminder that helping patients understand their condition and the need for early, consistent care is essential. Education can sometimes be just as critical as treatment itself. This moment reinforced for me the vital role we play in guiding patients toward informed decisions and better outcomes.
What are some of the biggest challenges of your practice for a clinician practicing in the emergency department?
Although new to emergency medicine, I believe one of the biggest challenges in this field is one of the things I love most—you never know what will walk through the door. The unpredictability keeps me engaged and constantly learning, whether managing a traumatic case, diagnosing a rare condition, or simply reassuring a worried patient. It forces me to be adaptable and resourceful, drawing on a broad range of medical knowledge while working alongside a team to make quick, informed decisions. This dynamic environment fuels my passion for emergency medicine and drives me to continuously grow as a clinician.
What about Charlotte excites you?
I’m thrilled to be closer to my family! Having grown up in the Charlotte area and with my parents still living here, it’s exciting to be just a 20-minute drive away instead of a 4-hour flight.
Do you have any hobbies, interests, or secret powers that are unique to you?
In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, running, reading a good book, experimenting with new recipes, attending concerts, and visiting friends. And of course, I can’t forget cheering on my Georgia Bulldogs!