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MCHC Welcomes Bilingual Physician Assistant Stephanie Bull.
MCHC Health Centers continues to successfully recruit qualified primary care providers to the area, most recently with the addition of Stephanie Bull, a certified physician assistant (PA-C). Bull provides primary care to patients of all ages at Hillside Health Center in Ukiah.
Bull’s interest in healthcare began during her childhood as the daughter of Mexican immigrants in Utah. “I gained firsthand insight into the significant healthcare disparities faced by many minority communities,” she says.
Like many children of immigrants, she often bridged the language gap between her parents and the institutions and people they interacted with, including medical providers. Being bilingual in Spanish and English led to formative experiences that sparked her desire to practice medicine and advocate for those who are marginalized.
Her personal experience shaped the importance she places on patients feeling understood and represented. She notes that speaking the same language can prevent misunderstandings, which is especially crucial in healthcare.
Just before Bull relocated to Ukiah for her role at MCHC, she helped her mother navigate a medical situation. A provider had ordered tests for her mother, but the reasoning behind them was not clear. Sensing that something was off, Bull accompanied her mother to an appointment to ask questions and translate. This led to the quick discovery of the problem.
“A misunderstanding led my mom’s care team to initiate the wrong treatment plan for her,” she says. “Once I clarified the underlying issue, they were able to order the appropriate tests and start her on the right medication. Within a week, she began to feel better.”
Bull emphasizes the importance of clear communication between patients and their healthcare team. “At times, as healthcare providers, we fall short in offering patients the essential education they need,” she says. It is not enough to simply tell a diabetic patient to get an annual eye exam, she says, providing an example. Providers should also explain why: Diabetes can affect the small blood vessels in the eyes, potentially leading to loss of sight. The annual eye exam helps to detect this early, before the problem progresses.
Bull earned her undergraduate degree in medical laboratory science and later completed the Physician Assistant Program at the University of Utah, graduating with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree.
Bull’s path to healthcare was supported by programs like Health Science LEAP, a pipeline initiative to help individuals from underrepresented groups pursue medical careers. It was through this program that she shadowed a physician assistant (PA) and realized she felt called to also become one. “I witnessed the essential role that physician assistants play in healthcare,” she says.
She enjoys the variety that comes with practicing family medicine as a physician assistant, as well as the opportunity to touch on other specialties. “I genuinely admire how PAs connect with a diverse array of patients and have ongoing opportunities for learning and personal growth,” she explains.
“We are excited to welcome Stephanie Bull as the newest member of the MCHC medical provider family,” says Chief Medical Officer Justin Ebert. “Stephanie brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from a wide range of medical areas that I am confident will lead to improving the health and well-being of our patients.”
Bull sees herself as her patients’ partner in their healthcare. “The conversations we have should center around their choices for improving their health,” she says. “My role is simply to guide them.”
“I want patients to know they’re not alone in this journey,” she adds. “As a provider, I want to be someone who listens and understands their needs. Together, we work as a team to provide the best possible care tailored to their health and well-being.”
She feels drawn to MCHC’s mission and values. “They align closely with my personal values of providing high quality care and addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities,” she says.
Although relocating to Ukiah is a big change from living in Utah, she has extended family in the area and enjoys the diversity and outdoor experiences California has to offer. Outside of work, Bull enjoys hiking, reading, paddle boarding, and spending time with her partner and daughter.
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MCHC Health Centers includes Hillside Health Center and Dora Street Health Center in Ukiah, Little Lake Health Center in Willits, and Lakeview Health Center in Lakeport. It is a community-based and patient-directed organization that provides comprehensive primary healthcare services as well as supportive services such as education and translation that promote access to healthcare.