FirstHealth of the Carolinas is pleased to welcome Jessica Battaglia, PA-C, to FirstHealth Family Medicine – Raeford. Battaglia brings several years of experience in both family and urgent care settings and is passionate about preventative medicine and community-based care.

Originally from Buffalo, New York, Battaglia moved to North Carolina to attend Methodist University in Fayetteville, where she earned her Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from SUNY Geneseo.

Before joining FirstHealth, Battaglia cared for patients at Wade Family Medical Center in Wade, N.C., and NextCare Urgent Care in Fayetteville. Her career in health care began even earlier as a firefighter and EMT, where she developed a deep appreciation for helping others and a desire to

expand her clinical knowledge.

“I worked as an EMT and firefighter for about seven years before becoming a PA,” Battaglia said in a press release. “During that time, I wanted to learn more about medicine and different ways to help people, which ultimately led me to this path.”

Her decision to join FirstHealth Family Medicine – Raeford was driven by her commitment to serving the community.

“I’ve spent the past few years in a community health center and feel like the experience and skills I’ve gained will help me make a difference in Raeford,” she continued in the release. 

Battaglia’s clinical interests include women’s health and preventative care. She believes in the power of long-term relationships with patients to support whole-person care.

“It’s an honor when patients trust me enough to bring their family members to me,” she said in the release. “Understanding the full picture and the full individual is key to making a meaningful impact.”

Outside of work, Battaglia enjoys hiking with her three dogs, gardening and woodworking.