Dateline: August 2, 2007

Pittman joins family clinic as newest PA

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The new Physician’s Assistant in town is no stranger. She’s been here before.

Devah Pittman, P.A.C., began her duties at Clarendon Family Medical Center in May, but before that she was a student at Clarendon College and spent a summer as a medical assistant under Dr. John Howard in 2003.

“I was interested in rural health care,” Pittman said. “Dr. Howard always encouraged me, so we stayed in touch through school.”

Pittman earned her Bachelor of Science degree from West Texas A&M University and then earned her Master’s degree from the University of St. Francis in Santa Fe and became certified in April.

“I wanted to return to rural health, and I did clinicals in Amarillo, Childress, Pampa, and Wellington as well as Clarendon,” she said. “So I’m familiar with many of the doctors in the area.

Pittman grew up in Allen and graduated from Whitesboro High School. In December, she married her husband, Clay, who works as a geologist in oil and gas exploration in Amarillo.

“We both like the Panhandle and don’t have any intentions of leaving any time soon.”

Pittman says she was fortunate to get to see patients together with Dr. Howard before he was called to active duty as part of the Naval Reserve in June.

“As PAs we should try to extend the same services the doctor would if he were here, so that’s my goal.”

The Pittmans are making their home in Clarendon and have enjoyed becoming part of the community. They go fishing at Lake Greenbelt and particularly enjoyed the Fourth of July activities.

“I love the people in Clarendon,” she said. “Everyone is very welcoming and very thoughtful.”