Meet Tina Fumo

Office Locations: Linden

Q&A with Tina Fumo, MSPAS, PA-C

• Q: Tell us about your background as a PA:
  A: I graduated from physician assistant school in 2022 at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA. I was my physician assistant class’s class president for two years. I completed my clinical training in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
• Q: Why did you choose to become a physician assistant?
  A: I chose to become a physician assistant because I have always had a love for science, medicine, and people. I love to learn and teach and being a PA has allowed me to do both.
• Q: Why did you choose to practice in an open access primary care practice?
  A: I chose to work in primary care because I found picking a specialty to be difficult. Everything is interesting to me. Primary care allows me to diagnose and treat a broad range of illnesses, some of which I may not have the opportunity to see if I chose a specific specialty. At an open access facility, I want all my patients to feel comfortable and know that both the office and I are here to help and serve their community.
• Q: What unique skills do you possess?
  A: Self-awareness, empathy, confidence, organization, outgoing, and ability to handle/welcome constructive criticism.
• Q: Describe your day to day activities, priorities and tasks. What do you like best?
  A: My day to day activities include seeing patients, charting, performing and interpreting tests, and interacting with other members of the healthcare team in order to provide optimal care. My favorite part of my day to day activities is interacting with patients and hopefully getting the opportunity to share a laugh with them. Laughter is sometimes the best medicine I could prescribe.
• Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of?
  A: Graduating physician assistant school is my most major accomplishment to date. It was the hardest thing I ever did but it was so worth it.
• Q: What are the key challenges of this field of medicine? How is it changing?
  A: A key challenge is the growing provider shortage and the dependence on tertiary care in the US. We are losing primary care providers who offer preventative care and help coordinate patient care with multiple providers. Just as they did in my school, medical schools/programs are now discussing the importance of primary care and trying to recruit students into primary care positions instead of specializing.
• Q: If you couldn’t be a physician assistant, what would you be doing?
  A: If I did not become a physician assistant, I would have become a microbiologist who works in a lab and teaches at the collegiate level.
• Q: What makes working at Care Station special?
  A: Working at Care Station is special because I can help provide so many services to my patients and their families. The staff are knowledgeable, and the equipment is state of the art. This office reminds of a “mini hospital” because there are multiple specialties, imaging and diagnostic devices, and a laboratory.
• Q: Why should patients choose Care Station for their primary care?
  A: Patients should choose Care Station because the providers are knowledgeable, kind, and patient. Patients would also have access to multiple specialists, imaging procedures, and lab procedures, as well as be able to utilize the urgent care when needed.
• Q: Tell us a little something about yourself.
  A: My name is Tina and I was born and raised in New Jersey. Before becoming a PA I was a certified nursing assistant and a certified home health aide. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 3 years instead of 4 years. I am a huge Harry Potter fan and an avid reader. My friends would describe me as outgoing, humorous, and hard-working.
• Q: How do you like to spend your free time?
  A:I spend my free time reading, crocheting, fishing, skiing, bowling, and listening to music.