Meet Zahra Cepeda, PA-C: Caring for the whole person
Zahra Cepeda, a certified physician assistant at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Counseling Center, examines a patient. She offers high-quality, whole-person primary health services for patients of all ages.
Zahra Cepeda’s journey into medicine began with a childhood dream – and today, she’s bringing that passion to patients of all ages. A native New Yorker who now calls Scranton home, this certified physician assistant is welcoming new patients at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Counseling Center.
Read on to learn more about Zahra and the care she provides to patients of all ages.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in health care?
A: I decided I wanted to work in medicine when I was in high school. My father was diagnosed with throat cancer during that time, so I spent a lot of time in the hospital. Luckily, after he underwent chemotherapy and radiation, he went into remission. While he was being treated, I had the opportunity to see how people work in medicine, and it piqued my interest.
I earned my undergraduate degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2019, and for about two years after graduating, I worked as a medical scribe in Geisinger Community Medical Center’s emergency department in Scranton. During my time there, I realized I wanted to pursue a career as a physician assistant, or PA. I then attended Marywood University and got my master’s degree in physician assistant studies in 2023.
Q: Why did you choose The Wright Center?
A: I chose The Wright Center because of its core values and our mission. I enjoy that we offer whole-person primary and preventive health services, so we treat every aspect of a patient instead of just the problem of the moment.
I also like that we have help available to patients beyond medical services. We have community health workers who can help with temporary housing, utility assistance, transportation to medical appointments, insurance, food, clothing, and other necessities. We also have behavioral health and dental services, so we can easily and quickly assist patients who need different resources.
Q: What kinds of services do you offer?
Zahra Cepeda, a certified physician assistant at The Wright Center for Community Health Scranton Counseling Center, said watching her father battle cancer inspired her to pursue a career in health care so she could help people live healthier lives.
A: I am a family medicine physician assistant, treating patients 3 months old and older. I treat patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and COPD, and acute problems, like colds and the flu. Something unique about me is that, because I worked in an emergency department before coming to The Wright Center, I can perform some procedures, including repairing lacerations and draining abscesses.
Q: What’s something you wish your patients knew about their health and why?
A: I feel like when patients come in, health care professionals tend to focus solely on their medical conditions and forget about mental health. Mental health is a medical condition, too, and it matters.
Working at Scranton Counseling Center, I see a lot of patients who have mental health conditions. Although I may not be the primary provider managing their medications for those conditions, I make sure to ask them about their mental health and ensure they are doing well.
I believe mental health plays a big part in a patient’s care. Good overall health begins with the proper state of mind. If patients have a good mental state, they will also have good overall health.
Q: When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, my three dogs, Weenie, Mia, and Bella, and my cat, Flash. You can find me either binge-watching a show or curled up with a book. I also enjoy cooking, as I love to try new recipes, and, of course, one of my favorite hobbies is eating!
