Patient Care Champion: Jennifer Piccola

Operations Manager | South Fort Worth, Texas

At Physician Partners of America, Patient Care Champions are the foundation of exceptional care. This month, we proudly recognize Jennifer Piccola, our Operations Manager of Texas based in South Fort Worth, for her unwavering commitment to patients, providers, and clinic excellence.

A Life Rooted in Service

Born in Waycross, Georgia, Jennifer spent her younger years in Polk County, Florida, before moving to Texas at the age of 12. Today, she calls Euless, Texas home, where she lives with her husband, Bennie, and their four children — one son and three daughters. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading and watching the rain, embracing calm moments amidst life’s busyness.

From Sonic to Healthcare Hero

After graduating from Van High School in May 2007, Jennifer began her professional journey outside of healthcare, serving as a manager at Sonic for five years, where she honed her leadership and operational skills. Inspired by her grandmother — a CNA — she knew her path ultimately belonged in healthcare.

She earned her Medical Assistant license from Everest College in March 2015, and soon after, joined Physician Partners of America in 2015.

Growing Within PPOA

Jennifer’s PPOA career is a testament to dedication and growth. She began as a greeter at the TPRG Hurst location, then moved into check-in/check-out, transitioned into a back-office Medical Assistant role, and quickly advanced into management. She served as Manager at Hurst, then took over the South Fort Worth location, overseeing two clinics. Most recently, she was promoted to Operations Manager of Texas, while continuing to oversee the South Fort Worth clinic — a role she fulfills with heart and expertise.

Leading with Purpose

In her role, Jennifer ensures clinic operations run smoothly and efficiently for both patients and staff. Her daily work includes everything from triaging patients and assisting with check-in/check-out, to supporting staff and providers, and helping other clinic managers across Texas as needed.

“On any given day, I simply help with what the clinic needs — whether that’s triaging patients, overseeing clinic flow, or supporting staff to make sure everything runs smoothly for our providers and patients.”

— Jennifer Piccola, Operations Manager of Texas

A Heart for Patients

Her favorite part of working in healthcare is building relationships with patients over time.

“We often see the same patients month after month, which allows us to know them personally. My favorite moments are when patients who once struggled to walk return after procedures walking straighter or without a cane. Those moments truly warm my heart.”

Leadership Perspective

“Jennifer consistently demonstrates an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional patient care and ensuring every patient feels valued and supported. Her compassion, professionalism, and dedication set a standard of excellence that inspires those around her.

She goes above and beyond in every interaction — whether it’s addressing patient concerns promptly, advocating for their needs, or coordinating closely with physicians, surgical centers, and authorization teams to ensure patients can move forward with their procedures as scheduled. Jennifer spends countless hours each week working through every detail, sometimes even calling insurance companies or referring clinics to secure late clearances so no patient is left behind.

Jennifer treats every patient with empathy and compassion and explains things in a way they can truly understand. Her exceptional service and leadership make her truly deserving of this recognition. She embodies the qualities of a Patient Care Champion and continues to make a lasting impact on both our patients and her peers.”

— Eric Alvarez, Vice President of Clinic Operations

CEO Recognition

“Jennifer’s leadership is a true reflection of our mission at PPOA. Through her compassion, operational excellence, and unwavering dedication, she elevates the patient and provider experience across our Texas clinics. We are proud to recognize her as a Patient Care Champion.”

— Josh Helms, CEO, Physician Partners of America (Tampa)

A True Patient Care Champion

Jennifer’s career reflects a deep commitment to operational excellence, compassionate patient care, teamwork, and leadership. We are grateful for the passion, dedication, and integrity she brings to PPOA and to the patients and teams she serves every day.

Thank you, Jennifer, for being a true Patient Care Champion.

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Patient Care Champion: Nancy Munoz

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Practice Manager | Millenia–Orlando

At Physician Partners of America, Patient Care Champions are the foundation of exceptional care. This month, we proudly recognize Nancy Munoz, Practice Manager at our Millenia–Orlando location, for her lifelong commitment to patients, providers, and operational excellence.

A Heart for Service

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and raised in Buffalo, New York, and Barcelona, Spain, Nancy was shaped by a family culture rooted in dignity, discipline, and compassion. Family remains central to her life today. In September 2025, she celebrated becoming a grandmother—an experience she describes as one of life’s greatest blessings.

A Lifelong Career in Healthcare

Nancy discovered her passion for healthcare at just 14 years old, helping her uncle, a pediatrician, in his medical practice. That early exposure sparked a career spanning nearly 50 years of patient-centered service, including more than four decades in interventional pain management and anesthesia services.

She joined Physician Partners of America in 2018 following the acquisition of Richard L. Smith, MD, and continues to bring unmatched experience and dedication to PPOA.

Leading with Excellence

As Practice Manager, Nancy oversees front-office and administrative operations, ensuring patients are welcomed with warmth and that physicians have the support they need to deliver seamless care. From scheduling and authorizations to compliance, staff coordination, and clinic efficiency, her attention to detail and commitment to service are evident in every aspect of her work.

“I’m here to help,” Nancy says. “Listening with empathy and understanding a patient’s pain can truly make a difference.”

Words from Leadership

Nancy’s impact is felt across the organization.

Eric Alvarez, Vice President of Clinic Operations, shared:

“Nancy is dedicated to her role as a manager and employee at PPOA. She is always kind to patients and does whatever she can to help them. I never receive patient complaints from her office, which speaks volumes about the care she provides. She works exceptionally well with her providers to ensure smooth clinic operations and high-quality patient care. Even with only one full-time employee, she consistently keeps everything running smoothly—always greeting patients with a smile.”

Josh Helms, CEO of Physician Partners of America in Tampa, added:

“At Physician Partners of America, our success starts with people who genuinely care, and Nancy Munoz is a perfect example of that. Her dedication to patients, providers, and operational excellence reflects the culture we strive to build across PPOA.”

A True Patient Care Champion

Nancy Munoz embodies the values of Physician Partners of America through compassion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. We are grateful for the experience, heart, and positivity she brings to our patients and teams every day.

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Community, Compassion, and Corporate Excellence

How Leadership Beyond the Office Strengthens Organizations and the Communities They Serve.

For Josh Helms, CEO Physician Partners of America, leadership doesn’t stop at the clinic door. In addition to his role as CEO of PPOA, he actively contributes to community well-being through service and mentorship. He serves on the Board of Directors for Metropolitan Ministries, where he supports programs that uplift individuals and families in need—a reflection of his belief that strong communities are essential to strong healthcare systems.

Throughout his career, Helms has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to innovation, including being named among Becker’s “Top ASC Leaders Under 40.” Yet he remains focused on the collective success of the people and organizations he leads, not on accolades.

At PPOA, Helms encourages a culture rooted in compassion, accountability, and continuous improvement—values that extend from employees to the patients and communities the company serves. His leadership emphasizes that operational excellence and empathy are not opposing forces, but partners in sustainable growth.

By combining strategic insight with a genuine dedication to service, Josh Helms exemplifies a modern approach to healthcare leadership—one defined not just by results, but by relationships, responsibility, and respect.

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From Sales Executive to CEO- The Steady Leadership Journey of Josh Helms

How Vision, Collaboration, and Purpose Shaped a Healthcare Leader.

Every strong organization is built on leadership that values both people and progress—and for Josh Helms, that balance has guided his entire career. Today, as Chief Executive Officer of Physician Partners of America (PPOA), Helms brings years of experience in healthcare operations, strategic growth, and patient-centered innovation.

His career began outside the boardroom, with a focus on helping people and improving systems that make care more accessible. Before becoming CEO, Helms served as Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing at PPOA—roles that deepened his understanding of collaboration, efficiency, and the patient journey.

Earlier in his career, Helms was part of the leadership team at Laser Spine Institute, where he advanced to Senior Vice President of CARE Operations. There, he received several internal awards recognizing his adaptability and commitment to organizational excellence, including the President’s Choice Award and Embracing Change Award.

Helms’ educational background reflects his dual focus on empathy and execution. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida and an MBA from the University of Tampa’s John H. Sykes College of Business—a combination that grounds his leadership style in both human understanding and business strategy.

At PPOA, Helms has helped strengthen the company’s mission to relieve pain, restore function, and renew hope for patients nationwide. Under his guidance, the organization continues to invest in advanced interventional pain management, physician partnerships, and technologies that enhance both outcomes and access to care.

His path to leadership demonstrates that progress in healthcare doesn’t come from titles—it comes from listening, learning, and leading by example. Helms’ journey reminds emerging professionals that integrity, consistency, and compassion remain the cornerstones of lasting impact.

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Physician Partners of America Wins Gold for Best Pain Management in Tampa Bay!

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We did it, Tampa Bay!

Physician Partners of America (PPOA) is proud to announce that we have been awarded Gold in the 2025 Tampa Bay Best of the Best Contest for Best Pain Management!

This incredible recognition honors all our clinics across the greater Tampa Bay area and the dedicated teams who provide exceptional care every day. From our physicians and medical assistants to our front office and support staff, every member of the PPOA family plays a vital role in helping patients find relief, restore function, and reclaim their quality of life.

“Being recognized as the Best of the Best is truly an honor,” said Josh Helms, CEO of Physician Partners of America. “It reflects the hard work, skill, and heart our team brings to every patient encounter across every clinic in the greater Tampa Bay area. Most importantly, it motivates us to continue advancing pain management with innovation, empathy, and excellence.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our patients, colleagues, and community for your trust and votes and to the Tampa Bay Times for shining a light on healthcare providers who make a difference.

At PPOA, we remain committed to raising the bar in compassionate, patient-focused pain care throughout Tampa Bay and beyond.

Thank you, Tampa Bay — this Gold is for you!

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Patient Care Champion: Kaitlyn Swanson

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Front Office Coordinator | PMA Fullerton, California

At Physician Partners of America, our Patient Care Champions embody compassion, dedication, and the drive to make every patient feel valued. This month, we’re proud to recognize Kaitlyn Swanson, Front Office Coordinator at Pain Medicine Associates (PMA) Fullerton, California. Known for her positivity, professionalism, and warm personality, Kaitlyn ensures every patient visit begins and ends with care and compassion.

Born in Moreno Valley and raised in Imperial, California, Kaitlyn has always been family-oriented. As the eldest of five and a devoted pet mom to four dogs and two cats, she brings the same love and energy to her patients and team.

Kaitlyn’s passion for healthcare began in high school while volunteering at a convalescent home.

“It broke my heart to see so many residents without family,” she recalls. “I wanted to be someone they could depend on.”

After studying biology at Imperial Valley College, Kaitlyn discovered her true calling: working directly with people in healthcare. She began as a file clerk before moving into patient-facing roles, where her compassion and organization skills shine. When Dr. Hess’s practice joined PMA in July 2023, Kaitlyn continued leading the front office with dedication.

From coordinating appointments and billing to assisting patients and providers, Kaitlyn manages the front office independently and efficiently. Her work ensures the clinic runs smoothly and patients receive the attention they deserve.

October was a standout month. Kaitlyn was personally mentioned in 13 positive Google reviews, a testament to her exceptional service and welcoming demeanor. Patients consistently praise her kindness and professionalism, noting how she makes each visit a positive experience.

“If I can make a patient’s day a little easier or bring a smile to their face, that’s what it’s all about,” Kaitlyn says.

Outside of work, Kaitlyn enjoys hiking, beach days, DIY projects, and cooking new dishes. Her creativity and heart extend into every part of her life.

Since joining PMA, Kaitlyn has become a valued member of the Fullerton team. Her compassion and upbeat spirit perfectly represent PPOA’s mission to improve lives through exceptional patient care.

“Kaitlyn embodies everything we strive for at PPOA — genuine compassion at every interaction, unwavering dedication to our patients, and the positive energy that helps us deliver outstanding care. Her commitment to making each person feel seen and supported is exactly what being a Patient Care Champion is all about.”
— Josh Helms, CEO of Physician Partners of America

Congratulations, Kaitlyn, you truly are a PPOA Patient Care Champion!

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PPOA Patient Care Champion: Tracy Henderson

Tracy Henderson: Practice Manager

Our employees are all patient care champions, but some go the extra mile and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. They embody the PPOA values known as S.I.T.E. – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Empathy – which informs our service to patients and the community through high quality health care.

This month, we are proud to spotlight Tracy Henderson, Practice Manager of our Jacksonville and Orange Park clinics, as a PPOA Patient Care Champion.

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Tracy graduated from Sherwood Christian Academy before majoring in Psychology at South Georgia Tech. Her career journey began far from the healthcare field. For nearly a decade, she worked as a legal assistant, and for seven years she also worked as a personal trainer—roles that gave her strong organizational skills and a passion for helping others improve their lives. Those qualities now shine brightly in her role at PPOA.

Since joining PPOA in April 2023, Tracy has been the go-to person for nearly everything that keeps a busy clinic running smoothly. Her daily responsibilities include scheduling appointments, handling authorizations and pre-authorizations for medications, coordinating with providers and reps, managing payroll, organizing marketing efforts, following up with patients after procedures, ordering supplies and pump medications, and supporting the needs of both patients and staff. She leads her team with a calm, focused demeanor, creating a supportive and efficient environment where patients feel cared for and employees feel empowered.

Tracy’s inspiration for working in healthcare stems from her belief in making people’s lives easier—especially when they’re struggling with chronic pain. “When a patient is in pain all the time, even small daily tasks feel impossible,” she says. “Many come in feeling hopeless. When we’re able to relieve that pain—even just a little—it gives them back a part of their life. That moment when they tell you they went to Disney with their grandkids, or danced at a family BBQ… that’s the magic. That’s why I do this.”

Her impact is recognized by colleagues and leadership alike. Susan Hoskins, Director of Business Development, shared: “Tracy consistently goes above and beyond to help bring new business into our clinics. She’s always friendly and helpful to our patients, offering the compassion and TLC they need. She’s also a tremendous support to our providers and leads her operations team with efficiency and care, creating the ideal environment for both patients and staff.”

Outside of work, Tracy is a proud mom of one daughter and two sons. When she’s not managing clinic operations or making patients smile, she enjoys scuba diving, football, hockey, fishing, hunting, and just about any activity involving water.

PPOA is honored to have Tracy Henderson as part of our team. Her dedication, compassion, and leadership truly make her a Patient Care Champion.

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PPOA Patient Care Champion- Christine Senquis

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Christine Senquis: Clinic & Medical Lead, Kissimmee, FL

Our employees are all patient care champions, but some go the extra mile and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. They embody the PPOA values known as S.I.T.E. – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Empathy – which informs our service to patients and the community through high quality health care.

At PPOA, we celebrate our dedicated team members who consistently go above and beyond in their commitment to providing exceptional care. One such individual is Christine Senquis, Clinic & Medical Lead at our Kissimmee, FL location. Christine has been an integral part of our team since 2023, and her passion for healthcare is reflected in every interaction she has with patients and colleagues alike.

Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, and raised in Levittown, Christine’s journey into healthcare has been driven by her desire to help those in need. After completing her medical education at the Escuela de Medicina (UNAL) in Monterrey, Mexico, she pursued a certification as a Medical Assistant at Florida Technical College in 2007. Since then, she’s gained experience in primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, cardiology, surgery, and pain management. Christine’s varied background, including time in the TV and entertainment industry, has shaped her into a dynamic leader with a heart for service.

Christine embodies the values that PPOA holds dear—Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, and Empathy (S.I.T.E.). Every day brings something new in her role, whether triaging patients, ensuring the clinic runs smoothly, or providing much-needed support to her team and providers. Her love for helping patients shines through in the respect, care, and open communication she fosters, ensuring each patient feels safe and valued.

As one patient review perfectly captures, “Christine is the heart of the clinic. She is essential in every aspect and is truly very good at everything she does.” Her ability to lead with empathy and precision makes her indispensable to both her colleagues and patients.

When she’s not working, Christine dedicates time to a cause close to her heart—helping and feeding the homeless in her community. A proud mother of two, her family is the cornerstone of her life, including her 20-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter.

Christine’s commitment to patient care is truly inspiring, and we are honored to recognize her as one of our Patient Care Champions. Thank you, Christine, for your unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of our patients and for exemplifying the true meaning of compassionate care.

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The Evolution of Physician Partners of America: A Journey to Specialized Care

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Physician Partners of America (PPOA) has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Initially, PPOA offered a wide range of healthcare services, including pain management, health and counseling, orthopedics, neuro spine, primary care, and podiatry. However, they have now streamlined their focus to become a specialized interventional pain management group and multispecialty Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) service provider. This evolution reflects a strategic decision made by Josh Helms, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tampa, to refine their identity, improve patient outcomes, and provide more targeted care.

The Diverse Beginnings

A Broad-Spectrum Approach

When Physician Partners of America was first established, the organization embraced a broad-spectrum approach to healthcare. By offering various services under one umbrella, PPOA aimed to cater to a broad range of patient needs. This approach included:

  1. Pain Management: Providing relief for chronic pain through various treatments and therapies.
  2. Health and Counseling: Offering mental health support and counseling services.
  3. Orthopedics: Addressing musculoskeletal issues and injuries.
  4. Neuro Spine: Diagnose and treat injuries, trauma and diseases related to the spine.
  5. Primary Care: Serving as the first point of contact for general health concerns.
  6. Podiatry: Treatment of disorders of the foot, ankle and lower limb.

Challenges of a Broad-Spectrum

While the broad-spectrum model allowed PPOA to reach a wide patient base, it also presented challenges. Managing diverse specialties under one organization can lead to a lack of cohesive identity and make it difficult to establish a strong brand presence. Additionally, patients might find it challenging to understand the full scope of services offered.

The Shift Towards Specialization

Recognizing the Need for Focus

As the healthcare landscape evolved, so did the needs and expectations of patients. There was a growing demand for specialized care, particularly in the field of interventional pain management. PPOA’s CEO, Josh Helms, recognized that to provide the highest quality care, they needed to narrow their focus and hone their expertise in a specific area.

Strategic Revamping

In response to this realization, PPOA embarked on a strategic revamp initiative. This involved:

  1. Assessing Patient Needs: Conducting thorough market research to understand the primary needs and concerns of their patient base.
  2. Refining Vision: Centered focus around providing exceptional interventional pain management services.

The New Identity: An Interventional Pain Management Group & Multispecialty ASC Service Provider

Focused Expertise

Today, Physician Partners of America proudly identifies as a dedicated interventional pain management group. This transformation has allowed them to concentrate their efforts on developing cutting-edge pain relief techniques and therapies. By specializing in interventional pain management, PPOA can offer:

  1. Advanced Treatments: Utilizing the latest technology and medical advancements to provide effective pain relief.
  2. Personalized Care Plans: Creating tailored treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient.
  3. Comprehensive Pain Management: Offering a full spectrum of interventional pain management services, from diagnostic evaluations to interventional procedures and ongoing support.

Alongside specializing in interventional pain management, they also identify as a multispecialty ASC service provider. They have multiple ASCs where surgeons of many different specialties can perform outpatient surgeries and procedures in state-of-the-art facilities.

Improved Patient Outcomes

The shift to a specialized interventional pain management and multispecialty ASC services has led to improved patient outcomes. With a dedicated team of interventional pain management specialists and multispecialty ASCs, PPOA can provide more accurate diagnoses, more effective treatments, and a higher level of patient care. This specialization has also enhanced their reputation, making them a trusted name in the field of pain management.

Conclusion

The evolution of Physician Partners of America from a broad-spectrum healthcare provider to a specialized interventional pain management group and multispecialty ASC service provider is a testament to their commitment to excellence and patient-centered care. By focusing on interventional pain management and multispecialty ASC services, PPOA has been able to refine their identity, improve patient outcomes, and establish themselves as leaders in their field. This transformation highlights the importance of adaptability and strategic focus in the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

 

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PPOA Patient Care Champion- Zoraida Exiga

Zoraida Exiga: Medical Assistant, Lakewood Ranch, FL

Our employees are all patient care champions, but some go the extra mile and we want to give them the recognition they deserve. They embody the PPOA values known as S.I.T.E. – Safety, Integrity, Teamwork, Empathy – which informs our service to patients and the community through high quality health care.

Zoraida Exiga embodies the values of a true Patient Care Champion. Zoraida is the Medical Assistant at PPOA’s Lakewood Ranch clinic in Florida. She offers our patients excellent care and helps them feel comfortable and welcome at PPOA.

Zoraida has lived in the Tampa Bay Florida area her entire life. She was born in Tampa, raised in Riverview and she now lives in Ruskin, FL. She attended East Bay High School in Riverview, FL and then went on to receive her Medical Assistant Certificate from Concorde Career Institute in Tampa, FL.

Zoraida joined the PPOA family in 2021. She completed an internship at our Sun City Center clinic and then floated from clinic to clinic when needed. She then went on permanently as a medical assistant at our Lakewood Ranch clinic. As a medical assistant, some of her day-to-day responsibilities include taking patients vitals, updating patient charts, performing prior authorizations for medications, answering phone calls and emails, making sure the exam rooms are stocked and cleaned after each patient and making sure the clinic is overall clean at the end of the day.

Zoraida is bilingual in English and Spanish which is extremely beneficial for our Spanish speaking patients. She says, “Being a Mexican American, I understand the many struggles that individuals have with language barriers. I have witnessed personal scenarios where there were language barriers that did not end well. I have always wanted to work in the medical field but seeing so many individuals struggle with getting the proper care they need due to language barriers has made me want to join the healthcare environment and use my voice to be their interpreter and help them get the same care as any other individual. Being at PPOA I have been the only bilingual MA at both Sun City and Lakewood Ranch clinics and I have helped many patients get the care they need. Patients are very appreciative of me translating for them whenever possible.”

Zoraida is a pivotal member of the clinical staff. “Being my only medical assistant in Lakewood Ranch, Zoraida works hard day in and day out. She is very timely and strives to make sure the patient is taken care of. Whether it is just having a simple conversation with them about their day or working to complete prior authorizations for medications/imaging, patients are appreciative,” Eric Alvarez, VP of Clinic Operations says.

PPOA applauds Zoraida for her hard work and thanks her for all that she does. She is truly a Patient Care Champion.

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