Joseph Pollino

About Joseph Pollino

I’m a Physician Assistant with a simple but urgent mission: delivering the highest standard of care while advocating for a more equitable healthcare system.My perspective was shaped long before I entered the exam room. Before graduating with honors from the University of Washington School of Medicine MEDEX—where I delivered the 2019 commencement speech—I spent years as a Deputy Coroner, EMT/Firefighter, and ER Tech. Those roles, particularly medicolegal death investigation, gave me an unfiltered view of what happens when the system fails people. That experience drives how I serve patients in the Carson Valley community today.Beyond the clinic, I write about the systemic issues facing patients and providers. My work has appeared in the LA Times, NBC News, and Becker’s Healthcare, where I cover healthcare affordability and what I call “functional uninsurance”—patients who have coverage but can’t afford to use it.I also serve on the Medical Executive Committee and Patient Safety Committee at Carson Valley Health, working to improve the patient experience at both the clinical and structural level.Being a clinician means being a voice for patients—in the room and in the national conversation. Whether treating a neighbor or advocating for reform, my focus is the same: making high-quality, equitable care a standard for everyone, not a privilege for some.

Experience

1. Physician Assistant

   Carson Valley Health

   Jan 2020 — Present · Minden, NV, US

   Primary care clinic. 800+ established pt’s Consistently exceeding quality metric goals including patient satisfaction scores Member of Medical Executive and Patient Safety Committee’s Preceptor of new providers. Have been tasked with being a “provider mentor.” Proficient in Urgent Care, will cover as needed Spearheaded standalone COVID-19 clinic throughout 2020

Education

• University of Washington - School of Medicine

  Bachelor of Clinical Health Services, Physician Assistant

  2017 — 2019