Since she was a small child, Briana Graham wanted to be a doctor. She wanted to help people.
As the lead Physician Assistant at Bladen ExpressCare, Graham is able to fulfill her childhood dream of helping care for people, and in her hometown.
“I always wanted to be a doctor when I was growing up, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work in Bladen County where I am able to help care for others where I grew up,” said Graham.
She said her career started when she began working at the hospital, thinking she might go into pediatrics.
“I knew I wanted to help people and, for a long time, felt that I was going to be a pediatrician. I had the privilege of working with some local doctors and physician assistants. Ultimately, I ended up falling in love with the physician assistant profession,” said Graham.
Graham graduated from the Methodist University Physician Assistant Program in 2007, after receiving her undergraduate degree from Campbell University. She has worked with Bladen County Hospital since 2011, working in the Emergency Department and ExpressCare setting.
Her day starts at 8 a.m. with a full round of walk-in patients and a variety of illnesses.
“I like not knowing what the day will bring, since we are a walk-in clinic where each day is different and filled with different challenges. We never know what we will see. It helps keep the job exciting,” she said.
Currently working three days a week with 12-hour shifts, Graham said one of the most important parts of her job is allowing patients to have quick access to medical care.
While patients do have options for medical care outside of their primary physicians, Graham said there are differences when it comes to ExpressCare, Urgent Care and the Emergency Department.
According to Graham, ExpressCare and Urgent Care are very similar.
“We both see minor illnesses and injuries and are able to help patients be seen when their primary doctors may not be able to see them as quickly as needed. We see colds and flu-like symptoms, minor cuts and sprains, urinary tract infections, sore throats and other non-life-threatening illnesses,” said Graham.
She said although both can serve the patient population on a walk-in basis without making an appointment, the major difference is the ExpressCare visit more closely aligns with the cost of seeing a patient’s primary care provider.
For more immediate, larger needs, the Emergency Department is where patients should go.
“The emergency room is a place to go when patients are concerned about a more acute or life-threatening condition such as chest pain, severe abdominal pain, or major injuries like cuts or broken bones,” said Graham.
Graham said most of the patients who come into the ExpressCare clinic have issues that they are equipped to handle, but sometimes patients come in needing a higher level of care.
“Anyone needing care that we are not able to provide is directed to the appropriate place to get the care they need,” said Graham.
Outside of work, Graham lives in Elizabethtown with her family, husband Chris Carroll and their children Breelyn and Bryson, where they like to spend time with their family and friends. A volunteer coach for her daughter’s softball team, she and her family also love traveling and time on the water at White Lake during the summer.
“We make memories with the family anytime we get the chance. I’m thankful for my family and friends and the influences they have on my life and my children’s lives. It truly takes a village,” said Graham.
It is that love of connection that keeps Graham going, treasuring her stories and memories along the way.
One of the most memorable stories in her 15 years as a physician assistant came from a patient visiting her a second time after Graham had helped get her the care she needed for a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“She came to see me for a quick non-emergent medical complaint and reminded me that I had seen her previously and had gotten her the care that she needed for a suspected cancer diagnosis,” said Graham.
Graham said she was reminded of how important the work at ExpressCare is while listening to the patient share that she had quickly received the cancer treatment she needed and was now doing well.
“It reminded me that we make a difference in patients’ lives. Every patient matters, whether it’s the first time we’ve seen them or the twenty-first time,” said Graham.
Graham credits the many medical providers who have influenced her in her career path and continue to do so as well as her family, including her parents Jimmy and Brenda Graham.
“My parents have always encouraged me to be the best that I can be and go after my dreams from a young age. I wouldn’t be where I am if it hadn’t been for them. And of course, my husband, who is a huge supporter and help in making sure I’m continuing to grow and pursue any doors that open for me,” said Graham.
Her favorite song is “Goodness of God” by CeCe Winans.
“Working in the medical field, we see a lot of terrible things happening. This song is a reminder that, even though there are a lot of bad things happening in this world, God is still good, and He is still in control. We may not always understand why bad things happen, but being strong in my faith helps me get through the difficult days in healthcare and in life in general,” said Graham.
With her faith, a positive attitude and a tune to hum, Graham is practicing her medical dream.
Bladen ExpressCare is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for minor illnesses and injuries. It is available for walk-in appointments. Staff can also help patients get follow-up appointments with their primary care provider.