Search this site

MEDICAL PROVIDERS Kaitlyn Bailey PA-C Family Medicine Read More Christopher Diamond MD Family Medicine Read More Nicolle Hyder FNP - C Nurse Practitioner Read More Karen Mather PA - C Family Medicine Read More Khai Ngo PA-C Family Medicine Read More Amy Siemanowicz APRN Nurse Practitioner Read More Elizabeth Chang MSN, FNP-BC Family Medicine Read More Keith Dominick MD Pediatrics Read More William J Kassler MD, MPH Internal Medicine, Public Health Read More Igbal Mohamed PA - C Family Medicine Read More Jillian Peabody OD Optometrist Read More Tonya Younger MSN, APRN, FNP-C Family Medicine Read More Katherine Cherna-Kelleher RN, MSN, FNP - C Family Medicine Read More Barry Alan Frank DPM Podiatry Read More Peter Kiprop MD Family Practice Read More Jessica Montemayor PA - C Family Medicine Read More Michelle Rey MSN, APRN, FNP-C, FNP-BC Family Medicine Read More Mary Cullen DO Family Practice Read More Katherine-Starr Goodwin PA Family Practice Read More Kristin Logan PNP - BC Pediatrics Read More Gavin Muir MD Family Practice Read More Kristin Schmidt PA - C Family Medicine Read More

MEDICAL PROVIDER BIOGRAPHY Peter Kiprop MD Family Practice/ Obstetrical Medicine Primary Office Location 145 Hollis Street Role/Year Joined Amoskeag Health Staff Physician, 2008 Treatments & Services Family Medicine Privileges Elliot Hospital Education Bachelor of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, (1999) Bachelor of Surgery, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, (1999) Post-doctoral training Family Medicine Residency, Union Hospital Terre Haute, IN, (2004-2007) (2005-2008) Board Certifications American Board of Family Medicine (2008) Clinical Interests Preventive Health Obstetrics Natural Family Planning Languages Spoken English Back to Medical Providers

MEDICAL PROVIDER BIOGRAPHY Amy Siemanowicz APRN Nurse Practitioner Primary Office Location 145 Hollis Street Year Joined Amoskeag Health 2023 Treatments & Services Family Medicine Education Masters in Nursing (MSN) Board Certifications FNP-BC in Family Medicine Clinical Interests Family Medicine, From across the life span from birth to death. Languages Spoken English Back to Medical Providers

As fall hiking season approaches, it's important to take preventative measures to reduce your risk of tick bites and illnesses like Lyme disease. New Hampshire is in one of the highest-risk regions in the country for tick-borne illness, largely because of its dense woodlands and high deer population. With areas of the Granite State creating ideal conditions for deer ticks to thrive, a little knowledge goes a long way toward keeping you and your family safe. Understanding Tick Risk A tick is a small arachnid that survives by feeding on the blood of animals and humans. Because ticks gravitate toward wooded areas, tall grasses and brush, you can expect to find them on hiking trails, stone walls, woodpiles and shaded, moist ground. In New Hampshire and the greater New England region, tick season runs from roughly April through November. Tiny nymph-stage ticks are most active from May through July, while adult ticks are active in the spring and again from September through November. They can even be found on warmer winter days, so some caution is warranted year-round. Not all tick bites result in illness, but some ticks carry disease-causing pathogens that can be transmitted to their hosts during feeding. The most common illnesses associated with tick bites include: Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection transmitted to humans through the bite of a blacklegged (deer) tick carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: A potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, most commonly transmitted by the American dog tick, wood tick, or brown dog tick. Alpha-gal Syndrome: A food allergy triggered by Lone Star tick bites that causes a reaction to molecules found in red meat and other mammalian products. While AGS is still primarily a southeastern/south-central U.S. condition, the range is expanding northward to the New England region. Anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis: Each of these tick-borne illnesses has unique symptoms but can be effectively treated when caught early. Preventing Tick Bites Prevention is by far your best defense against tick-borne illness. If you're spending time in outdoor areas where ticks may be prevalent: Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. Products containing DEET or picaridin are effective on exposed skin. For extra protection, treat clothing, shoes, and gear with permethrin. Dress smart. Wear long sleeves and pants, tuck pants into socks, and choose light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot. Stick to trails. Avoid brushing against tall grass and leaves when hiking or exploring outdoors. Do a full-body tick check. Immediately after outdoor exposure, check you and your companions’ bodies for ticks. Pay special attention to your scalp, ears, underarms, groin and behind the knees. Check pets, too! Pets can carry ticks indoors even if they aren't infected themselves. Routine checks of pets when they come indoors can prevent transfer to other household members. Shower after outdoor activities. This helps wash off unattached ticks and gives you another chance to spot one. Treat your yard. Keep grass trimmed, clear leaves and brush and consider a wood chip or gravel border between lawn and wooded areas to reduce tick migration. Treating Tick Bites Attached ticks aren't cause for panic, but you should act fast to reduce potential harm. Remove the tick properly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight up with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or crushing the tick. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Save the tick if possible, in a sealed bag or container, and note the date. This can help your healthcare provider assess risk if symptoms develop. When to Seek Medical Attention The good news is that tick bites caught early typically don't lead to lasting health issues. Most bites don't require antibiotics like doxycycline, but if you're unsure about infection risk, call your primary care provider to determine the best course of action. We can help assess the type of tick, how long it was attached, and local infection rates to determine whether medical intervention is needed. Please call Amoskeag Health at 603-626-9500 to make an appointment if you notice: A rash at or near a bite site, even if it doesn't look like a classic bullseye (Erythema migrans) Fever, chills, fatigue, or body aches within a month of a known or suspected tick bite, especially if you've spent time outdoors in wooded areas Facial weakness or drooping Joint swelling or pain that develops weeks after a bite Heart palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath following a tick exposure Neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or severe headaches Ticks have become part of life in New Hampshire, but bites and disease don't have to be. Consistent prevention habits, prompt and proper tick removal, and awareness of early symptoms will help keep you and your family healthy as you explore the great outdoors! Contact Amoskeag Health: 603-626-9500 Patient Portal

Amoskeag Health has been awarded recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home Program for its commitment to delivering coordinated, patient-centered care that improves access, communication, and care coordination for patients across Greater Manchester. The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Program evaluates whether primary care practices are functioning as medical homes and recognizes organizations that demonstrate systematic, coordinated, and patient-centered care. The program emphasizes access to care, communication between patients and care teams, and active patient involvement in health decisions. The recognition reflects Amoskeag Health’s integrated approach to care, which connects primary care, behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, prenatal care, pediatric care, and community-based support services within one coordinated system. For patients, this model of care can mean easier access to services, stronger communication between providers, and more coordinated support for managing chronic conditions and overall health needs before they become emergencies. As a federally qualified health center serving Greater Manchester and surrounding communities, Amoskeag Health provides care for patients of all ages regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Last year, Amoskeag Health served more than 14,700 patients across the region, including 43% covered by Medicaid and more than 3,300 individuals without health insurance. “Achieving and maintaining NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition reflects Amoskeag Health’s deep commitment to providing high-quality, coordinated, and compassionate care for every patient we serve,” said Maureen Cassidy, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for Amoskeag Health. “For our patients, this means better access to care, stronger communication among providers, and a healthcare experience that is truly centered around their individual needs. For the community we serve, it reinforces our role as a trusted healthcare partner dedicated to improving health outcomes, advancing equity, and supporting the overall well-being of our neighbors.” “NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition raises the bar in defining high-quality care by emphasizing access, health information technology and coordinated care focused on patients,” said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “Recognition shows that Amoskeag Health has the tools, systems and resources to provide its patients with the right care, at the right time.” Patient-Centered Medical Home Recognition is awarded by NCQA to healthcare organizations that demonstrate consistent, high-quality, patient-centered care and continuous improvement in care delivery systems. About Amoskeag Health Amoskeag Health is a nonprofit, federally qualified health center dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our patients and the Greater Manchester community through comprehensive healthcare services that address both physical and mental health under one roof. We’ve proudly served Manchester, NH, since 1993. About NCQA NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA’s website (ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more informed health care choices. NCQA can be found online at ncqa.org, on Twitter @ncqa, on Facebook at facebook.com/NCQA.org/ and on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/company/ncqa.

19th Annual Morning Matters Event Draws Advocates, Community Leaders, and Supporters Earlier this month, Amoskeag Health was pleased to hold its 19th Annual Morning Matters Breakfast at the Derryfield in Manchester. “Morning Matters is among our most critical fund and awareness raising events each year,” said Kris McCracken, President and CEO of Amoskeag Health. “All proceeds raised directly benefit health care and supportive services for our patients under the age of 18.” McCracken said that the event builds upon and celebrates the public health legacy of the late Dr. Selma Deitch, a local pediatrician who founded Child Health Services in 1979 to offer full-service healthcare to lower income families. “Selma recognized that in addition to quality healthcare, many pediatric patients and their families needed other services, such as access to transportation, interpretation services, specialized testing, and other societal needs,” said McCracken. “Today, our approach provides individualized treatment plans which puts our patients and their needs at the center of all we do.” Those in attendance heard from a broad array of speakers and local leaders including McCracken, Jay Ruais, Mayor of Manchester, Thom Lavoie, Board Chair of Amoskeag Health, Betsy Burtis, Chief Operating Officer of Amoskeag Health, Steve Paris, MD, Anna Thomas, Director of Public Health for the City of Manchester, Stephanie Pagliuca, Senior Director of Workforce Recruitment at Bi-State Primary Care Association, and Susan McKeown, APRN (ret). Among the many highlights of the event was a talk from Kristine Stoddard, who shared her family’s experiences in receiving specialized care for her son from Amoskeag Health. “Sponsors play a critical role at Morning Matters and we are very grateful for their kind support,” noted McCracken. Program sponsors include AmeriHealth Caritas, Catholic Medical Center, CGI, Efficient Energy Investments, the Harbor Group, Orchard Medical Management, and John Sigel and Sally Reid. Advocate sponsors include Elliot Health System, Needham Bank, NH Healthy Families, Sarah and Rich Sigel, and WellSense Health Plan. Table sponsors include Associated Grocers of New England, Berry Dunn, Granite State Credit Union, Harvey Construction, Lindner Dental, Manchester Community College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Primary Bank, Northeast Delta Dental, Sheehan Phinney, and Solvere Health. McCracken also thanked the many individuals who have donated thus far. “We’re also excited to announce that an anonymous donor has pledged $1,000 match for any additional donations made by June 30th. Click here to make your donation today.