Ashley Himmel, PA

Ashley Himmel, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant who sees patients at Georgia Heart Institute in Blairsville. Her inspiration to pursue a career in medicine began with her mother, a retired respiratory therapist, who showed her the profound impact of caring for others and the privilege of being part of a patient's healthcare journey. She was further inspired to purse cardiology by her grandmother's experience of a heart attack and ongoing management of heart disease. She was drawn to the physician assistant profession by the opportunity to provide hands-on care within a multidisciplinary team while improving patients' access to healthcare, particularly in rural communities.

"I look forward to helping patients achieve better long-term health through evidence-based practices," says Ashley. "I am excited to work in a specialty that offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' heart health and overall quality of life. Since heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, I find it especially rewarding to contribute to its prevention, diagnosis, and management."

Ashley earned her master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies from Brenau University. She also earned a master's degree in Biological Sciences with a Health Studies concentration from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She earned a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences: Community Patient Care with a specialization in Developmental Disabilities from Florida State University.