LAMC’s new Advanced Practice Provider Usha Panthi FNP-C during an interview Wednesday at the Los Alamos Daily Post about opening her Los Alamos Family Practice. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com
By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Editor’s note: This is part of a Q&A series featuring new providers at Los Alamos Medical Center.
Usha Panthi FNP-C is an Advanced Practice Provider (APP) who opened Los Alamos Family Practice on Monday, Aug. 3 inside Los Alamos Medical Center. She brings 17 years of experience in the critical care setting to her family practice. She is accepting new patients and can be reached at 505.661.9526.
“It is my pleasure to be a part of this community because a small community is like a family. I want patients to feel comfortable asking questions and to know they have a healthcare provider who truly listens,” Panthi said. “By encouraging regular checkups, healthy lifestyles, preventive screenings, and early treatment, I hope to help individuals and families stay healthier for years to come. Most importantly, I want every patient to leave feeling respected, informed, and confident about their healthcare plan.”
Q&A
Post: What inspired you to pursue a career as an APP?
Panthi: I’ve always been passionate about caring for others. Healthcare has given me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and that’s something I’ve always found incredibly rewarding.
I worked as a registered nurse for many years in several areas of the hospital, including cardiac care, telemetry, critical care, emergency department and many others. During that time, I cared for patients during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. Those experiences taught me not only the importance of excellent medical care but also the value of compassion, communication, and building trust.
As a nurse, I often found myself wanting to do even more for my patients. I wanted to be more involved in diagnosing illnesses, developing treatment plans, and helping patients prevent disease before problems became more serious. That desire inspired me to continue my education and become a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Becoming an APP was also a part of my professional growth. It allows me to combine my years of nursing experience with advanced clinical training while continuing to bring a meaningful and positive impact on the health of patients.
Post: What drew you to join Los Alamos Medical Center?
Panthi: My family recently moved to Los Alamos after my husband accepted a position at Los Alamos National Laboratory. We were excited to begin a new chapter in a beautiful community that values education, innovation, and quality of life.
As I explored career opportunities, Los Alamos Medical Center stood out because of its commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. From my very first interactions, everyone was welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping both patients and staff succeed.
I was looking for more than just a job,I wanted to become part of a healthcare team where I could continue to grow professionally while building lasting relationships with patients. I’m excited to serve this community and contribute to the excellent care provided at Los Alamos Medical Center.
Post: What specific medical specialty or area of patient care are you most passionate about?
Panthi: I’m passionate about family medicine because it allows me to care for patients throughout every stage of life from children to older adults.
I especially enjoy preventive medicine because many illnesses can be prevented or managed through education, routine screenings, vaccinations, and healthy lifestyle changes. Helping patients understand their health and empowering them to take an active role in their care is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.I also enjoy managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, asthma, and high cholesterol. Building long-term relationships with patients and seeing them improve over time is incredibly fulfilling.
Post: How would you describe your personal manner and approach to patient communication?
Panthi: I believe that listening is one of the most important skills a healthcare provider can have.
Every patient has a unique story, and I want each person to feel heard, respected, and understood. I take time to listen carefully to their concerns, answer questions honestly, and explain medical information in language that is easy to understand.
My goal is to create an environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns without feeling rushed or judged. I believe healthcare works best when patients and providers work together as partners in making decisions.
Post: What do you find most rewarding about working directly with patients and their families?
Panthi: The relationships we build are the most rewarding part of healthcare.
I enjoy getting to know my patients over time and helping them achieve better health. Whether it’s seeing someone’s blood pressure improve, helping them manage diabetes more effectively, or simply easing their worries during a difficult time, those moments remind me why I chose this profession.
It’s a privilege when patients trust you with their health, and I never take that trust for granted.
Post: How do you hope to make a positive impact on the health and wellness of our residents?
Panthi: I hope to make a positive impact by providing compassionate, evidence-based care that focuses on prevention as much as treatment.
I want patients to feel comfortable asking questions and to know they have a healthcare provider who truly listens. By encouraging regular checkups, healthy lifestyles, preventive screenings, and early treatment, I hope to help individuals and families stay healthier for years to come.
Most importantly, I want every patient to leave feeling respected, informed, and confident about their healthcare plan.
Post: What is your educational background and clinical training?
Panthi: I earned my Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration from Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, Texas. The program provided me with an outstanding education and strong clinical foundation, preparing me to deliver compassionate, evidence-based care. During my clinical training, I cared for patients across the lifespan in family medicine, primary care, women’s health, and urgent care. Before becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, I spent many years as a registered nurse in cardiac care, telemetry, critical care, and post-surgical nursing. Those experiences taught me the importance of compassion, teamwork, and treating every patient with dignity and respect.
I’m incredibly grateful to the faculty at Lubbock Christian University for their dedication to educating future healthcare providers. I would especially like to thank Dr. Daniel Hatch and Dr. Vanessa Bolyard for their mentorship, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout my journey. They inspired me to grow not only as a knowledgeable clinician but also as a compassionate provider who always puts patients first. Their guidance, kindness, and belief in me gave me the confidence to achieve my dream of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. I will always be deeply grateful for the lasting impact they have had on both my professional and personal growth.
Post: What are you most looking forward to exploring or getting involved with in the area outside of work?
Panthi: My family and I are excited to become part of the Los Alamos community.
We’re looking forward to exploring the area’s beautiful hiking trails, parks, and outdoor activities. We enjoy spending time together as a family, and with our two young boys, we’re excited to discover everything northern New Mexico has to offer.
I also enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling, and reading. Beyond work, I hope to become actively involved in the community and build meaningful connections with the people who live here.
