Scott Helms, PA-C
Scott Helms is a seasoned physician assistant who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in psychology from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta in 1995 prior to completing his Master of Medical Science degree from Emory University in 1997.
He is board certified and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology and the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology.
He joined Piedmont Cancer Institute in 2015 after having previously worked in Family Practice for 17 years. He was drawn to oncology by his mother's personal experience with breast cancer.
In his spare time Scott enjoys reading, cooking, running, playing the piano, photography, scuba diving and travel. Favorite authors include Khaled Hosseini, Harper Lee, Toni Morrison and Delia Owens. Some of his favorite travel locales include Australia, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the British Virgin Islands.
About Me: Q&A
Why Oncology?
One of the interesting things about working as a physician assistant is that we are trained to work in a variety of medical settings and specialties. This affords us the opportunity to switch among specialties. When I first graduated from school, I worked in family practice for 16 years and got a bit burned out. I loved the job and the people but it started to become a bit tough being the proverbial "jack of trades, master of none". As such, I opted to change to a specialty. As my mom was a cancer survivor, this peaked my interest in oncology. I made the switch and have been happy since.
What is the best part of your job?
I would say the relationships that we develop with our patients and being able to be here for them during the good times and the bad.
What is it like working with Dr. Jonas?
Anyone who knows Dr. Jonas will already know the answer to this question - fun... it is so much fun working with him! He has a great sense of humor and can get along with anyone. He is a wonderful teacher and always willing to help however he can. He's the older brother that I never had and I wouldn't trade him for anything.
If you could spend the day with anyone dead or alive (no relatives), who would it be and what would you do?
As I love to eat, cook and travel, I think it would be a blast to spend a day traveling to a different country with Anthony Bourdain to learn about unique foods and cultures. Can you imagine how much you would learn from such an experience?!!
