Behind the Screens: Meet Stephanie Lee, PA-C

At Dimer Health, we believe meaningful care happens when clinicians have the time and space to truly connect with patients. Our Behind the Screens series highlights the providers who bring experience, empathy, and humanity to virtual care - meeting patients where they are, especially during vulnerable moments of recovery.

This week, we’re spotlighting Stephanie Lee, PA-C, a Physician Assistant with nearly two decades of emergency medicine experience whose career has been defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.‍

A Career Rooted in Emergency Medicine

Stephanie’s journey into healthcare began early. At just 16 years old, she joined her local Volunteer Ambulance Corps, eventually becoming an EMT and working her way up through leadership roles.

“I always liked the concept of helping people,” she shared. “Emergency medicine just clicked for me.”

That early exposure shaped the rest of her career. After discovering the Physician Assistant profession in college, Stephanie completed her training and began working in emergency medicine, starting at Nyack Hospital nearly 20 years ago.

“Emergency medicine has been my world,” she said. “It’s all I’ve known professionally, and I’ve loved it, but it’s also incredibly demanding.”‍

‍💡 What inspired you to join Dimer Health?

After two decades in high-intensity ER environments, Stephanie began looking for a way to continue providing high-quality care while reducing the relentless pace and stress that have become increasingly common in emergency departments.

She was first drawn to Dimer Health through leadership she admired, and the promise of a care model that looked beyond the hospital walls.

“Emergency medicine has become more pressured, more understaffed, and more rushed,” she explained. “At Dimer, I can slow down. I can actually focus on what happens after the ER visit or hospital stay, when patients are home and trying to put the pieces back together.”

That shift has been both refreshing and fulfilling.

“It’s still hard work,” she said. “But it’s different. I’m home, I’m present, and I can give patients the attention they need without the chaos of a 12-hour ER shift.”

Stephanie also finds inspiration in Dimer’s leadership and values.

“Watching a woman and a PA lead this company has been incredibly motivating. You don’t see that often, and it matters.”‍

🏡 What do you enjoy most about providing virtual care?

For Stephanie, the benefits of virtual care extend equally to patients and clinicians.

“For patients, especially older adults or those recovering from surgery, it’s so much less stressful than getting back in the car, going to an office, sitting in a waiting room, and then coming home exhausted.”

Instead, patients receive care in familiar surroundings, often with family members nearby and medications on hand, making visits more efficient and more personal.

“It feels calmer. More human. Less institutional. And people really appreciate that.”

For providers, virtual care allows for something increasingly rare in modern medicine: time.

“This is the detail work,” Stephanie explained. “Post-op care, education, reassurance - things that are so important but often rushed or missed entirely.”‍

Seeing the Model in Action

Stephanie has seen firsthand how Dimer Health’s model fills gaps left by traditional care.

“So many patients don’t get detailed guidance when they leave the hospital,” she said. “When we take the time to talk through wound care, diet, hydration, constipation, mobility - all the little things - patients are incredibly grateful.”

Sometimes, it’s the simplest advice that makes the biggest difference.

“I suggested ice pops to a post-op patient who wasn’t eating or drinking,” she recalled. “Two days later, she told me it was revolutionary. When you’re in pain or overwhelmed, it’s hard to think clearly, and that’s where we come in.”

These moments reinforce why Stephanie believes deeply in human-centered care.

“Patients don’t just want answers. They want empathy. They want to feel heard.”‍

❤️ Why did you choose medicine?

Stephanie chose the PA path because it allowed her to make a meaningful impact while maintaining balance and flexibility.

“I loved that I could help people directly and still grow across different areas of medicine.”

Nearly 20 years later, that decision continues to resonate.

“At the end of the day, it’s about helping people feel safe and supported, especially when they’re at home and unsure of what’s normal.”‍

Life Beyond the Screen

Outside of work, Stephanie’s life is just as full and service-oriented. She’s a mother of four, deeply involved in her local community, and passionate about education and leadership.

She serves on her local school board, participates in Leadership Rockland, leads the athletic booster club, and volunteers as a den leader for her son’s scouting group.

“I love being involved,” she said. “Community matters.”

When she’s not juggling meetings or patient calls, Stephanie prioritizes movement and mindfulness, whether that’s time at the gym or tending to her gardens.

“It’s good for the mind, body, and soul.”‍

Quickfire Round

☕ Coffee or Tea: Coffee
🌙 Early Bird or Night Owl: Night owl
🌍 Dream Skill to Master: Speaking another language
📚 If not in healthcare: Possibly law - though medicine clearly found her first