Barbara Nguyen is a certified physician assistant. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Albany Medical College in Albany, NY, and her Bachelor of Science in biology and biochemistry from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY.
Barbara’s path toward pursuing medicine began with the years she spent working in a group home, providing care for mentally and physically challenged individuals with various needs. This experience solidified her passion for healthcare and her drive to make a real difference in the lives of others. It has shaped Barbara’s approach to patient care as empathetic, dedicated, and understanding of each unique situation. As a rheumatology provider, she is keen on advancing this quest by empowering patients to better their life quality in managing their conditions.
The greatest lesson from her training and experience is that research must accompany clinical practice to benefit the patient. Her short period as an undergraduate researcher provided her valuable insight into how evidence-based medicine plays a role in shaping treatments that would actually prove effective. This experience further strengthened her personal belief in keeping up to date with scientific changes and implementing research into practice for the betterment of patients.
What Barbara loves most about her job is developing close relationships with patients while unraveling the complexities of rheumatic diseases to deliver optimum treatment. While she enjoys doing certain procedures and working with particular disease states, she has found the holistic journey of patient care to be the most satisfying. She says it is rewarding to see a patient regain their health and self-assurance and know she had a part in it. Barbara is passionate about delivering tailored, impact-driven care that positively touches the lives of every patient.
When caring for patients, she believes establishing a solid base of trust between herself and her patients is the most crucial part of her practice. “When they feel heard, understood, and respected, they open up more about their concerns and complaints. Open communication on both sides helps towards correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. It generates a trusting relationship that is actually collaborative — empowering the patient to actively participate in their care.” Barbara strives to provide compassionate, patient-centered care with the goal of treating every patient with the same respect and attention she would expect for herself.
Barbara is originally from Colorado but moved to the Capital Region for schooling and has stayed here ever since. She is actively involved in community service, particularly with the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School youth programs. Outside of medicine, she loves spending quality time with her family, children, and dogs and refinishing furniture.