Harrison joins Warren family medicine team

Harrison Smith, PA, has joined the team at Parkview Physicians Group (PPG) – Family Medicine in Warren.

Smith works alongside Dr. Julie Utendorf and Kayla Hoeffel, NP, to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages at the 470 Bennett Drive office.

Previously, Smith treated patients at the PPG – Family Medicine office on the Parkview Huntington Hospital campus since late 2023.

He prioritizes collaborative, patient-centered care by ensuring patients understand their treatment options and feel confident in the decisions they make about their health.

“Patient care, to me, is very much a two-way conversation,” said Smith. “I strive to recommend the best care plan possible while also taking the time to explain each patient’s options, including the risks and benefits. Some patients want every detail so they can make an informed decision themselves, while others prefer more direct guidance. I’ve found that tailoring my approach to each individual helps create a more comfortable and effective care experience.”

Smith began his medical career working as an emergency care technician in Parkview Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department. During his PA training, his clinical experiences included rotations in diverse areas, such as general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, obstetrics, hospital medicine, psychiatry and primary care.

He completed his master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Fort Wayne’s University of Saint Francis (USF). He also attended USF for his undergraduate studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology specifically designed for aspiring medical professionals planning to become physician assistants.

Smith is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. He is also a member of the Indiana Association of Physician Assistants.

Smith says he is motivated by helping patients improve their physical and mental well-being while also reducing their risk for future health complications. Building trust and caring for neighbors is an important part of his approach to medicine.

“When your patients are also your neighbors, you feel an even greater responsibility to provide compassionate, high-quality care and help the community thrive,” said Smith. “I want patients to feel comfortable asking questions and having open conversations about their health so we can make informed decisions together.”

Away from the office, he and his wife enjoy visiting friends and family, snowmobiling, following Indiana’s professional football and basketball teams, and traveling to dirt track and professional stock car races.

For more information on these providers, visit the Warren clinic page on parkview.com.