Physician assistant joins CoxHealth Surgery Monett

Erin Payne was first introduced to Dr. Armin Kamyab when he gave a presentation to her physician assistant (PA) class at Missouri State University.

“I remember Dr. Kamyab was extremely passionate about his work,” she said. “I knew at that point I wanted to learn everything I could from him, so I was thrilled to find out that I was selected for the rural surgical rotation at Cox Monett.”

During the rotation, Payne learned there might be an opening in the clinic, so after graduation, she applied and got the job.

“I love following our patients through the surgical process,” she said. “We can give patients a direction—here’s the plan—and here’s your options. That’s one of the great things about general surgery—you get to see a little bit of everything.”

Payne grew up in Strafford, Mo., and says living in a small town is what she prefers. She moved to Monett recently to be close to the hospital and her job.

“I feel very blessed to be able to work with Dr. Kamyab every day,” she says. "He’s an amazing surgeon who could be working anywhere, but he's in Monett, and I get to assist him."

In her spare time, Payne enjoys volunteering at a local girls’ camp, riding roller coasters and kayaking on the area’s beautiful rivers.

To make an appointment for a surgical consultation, please call 417/236-2440.