Page 64 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2026

HEALTHY LIVING
Meet
Sierra Reid Cooley, PA-C Ochsner Health Center - Hancock
At Ochsner Health Center - Hancock, dedicated physician assistant Sierra Reid Cooley assists Christopher Palmer, MD, with orthopedic surgery. With her orthopedic certification, she is able to see a wide variety of patients and refer them to him if they are surgical candidates.
“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work in medicine. When I discovered the physician assistant profession and learned about its purpose and opportunities, I immediately knew it was the perfect fit for my personality and values,” she says. “My interest in orthopedics stems from a lifetime of playing multiple sports. This career allows me to have a direct and meaningful impact on patients’ quality of life.”
story by Lynn Lofton
Cooley earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in medicine-physician’s assistant. She finds helping patients recover from injury, regain mobility, and return to the activities they love incredibly rewarding.
“I appreciate the hands-on nature of orthopedics and the opportunity to witness patients’ progress throughout their healing journey,” she said. “I approach patient care with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to ensure each person feels heard and supported. I believe that even small moments of connection can make a lasting difference in a patient’s healing journey.”
Her patient load and case types vary from day to day. She sees a wide range of patient concerns, with the exception of back pain. “However, if a patient presents with back pain,
we are always happy to evaluate them and ensure they are directed to the appropriate specialist,” she said. “Treatment plans vary depending on the individual, but I spend much of my day discussing diagnoses, explaining underlying causes, and reviewing treatment options. I also perform steroid and Visco supplementation injections when appropriate.”
A typical day for Cooley begins with taking care of the family’s three golden retrievers and three cats. “I then make my water and coffee for the day—coconut coffee is my favorite. At work,
I start by reviewing patient messages, including refill requests, and checking MRI results to determine appropriate follow-up appointments with either myself or the surgeon.”
“As a new provider, I make it a priority to read articles in the morning and review different cases related to upcoming or past patient diagnoses.”
64 | August 2026
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
Ochsner Health Center - Hancock
149 Drinkwater Road, 2nd Floor | Bay St. Louis | 228-395-1224