Amy Shaw, PA

About Amy Shaw, PA

Welcome to my corner of the web! My name is Amy Shaw, and I am a Physician Assistant (PA) with specialized expertise in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a singular mission: providing compassionate, patient-centered care to individuals and families navigating the complex and often overwhelming challenges of chronic and terminal illnesses. It is my pleasure to share my journey, my values, and the resources I have developed to support those in need.

A Journey Rooted in Compassion

My path to healthcare began with a deep fascination for the biological sciences, leading me to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Emory University in 1999. While my academic focus was on primates—studying under esteemed experts such as Frans de Waal and Michael Tomasello—I discovered an innate connection to the human experience. Engaging with diverse populations during my time in Uganda, where I observed the intricate relationship between local families and their environment, further solidified my love for an impactful, human-centered approach to science. I realized that healthcare is not merely about data or clinical procedures; it’s about relationships, understanding, and empathy.

This belief of prioritizing humanity over numbers fully materialized when I pursued my Master of Physician Assistant Studies at Chatham University, graduating in 2014. My time in Cape Town, South Africa, exposed me to varying healthcare practices in a resource-constrained setting. Witnessing the effective yet compassion-driven care provided in the maternity ward deeply inspired me to focus my efforts on palliative and hospice care—fields where compassion and empathy are vital.

Pioneering Dementia Care in Wyoming

Once I established my career in Wyoming, I recognized a significant gap in comprehensive dementia support for families facing the trials of this challenging journey. Armed with a desire to help, I initiated the development of the state’s first comprehensive dementia care program. This program was born out of a commitment to enhance the quality of care for over 450 families navigating dementia’s complexities, serving as a beacon of hope and a source of invaluable resources.

To create a holistic approach to dementia care, I focused not only on the medical aspects but also on emotional, social, and environmental domains. By integrating palliative and hospice care principles, our program provided comprehensive family support that honored the dignity of every patient while equipping families with the information and guidance needed to make informed decisions. Each family’s experience is unique, and understanding their individual needs and preferences is foundational to the care I provide.

Expertise in Palliative and Hospice Care

I believe that end-of-life care should be characterized by dignity, comfort, and respect. Over the last ten years, I have dedicated myself to supporting palliative and hospice care, where my passion for advocacy and compassionate support shines through daily. Working with patients facing serious illnesses, I strive to create an environment where they feel heard and valued, ensuring their voices are central to their care decisions.

Palliative care focuses on alleviating suffering while enhancing the quality of life. By addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of illness, I work collaboratively with families to develop care plans that reflect their values and desires. My background has equipped me to provide comfort, pain management, and emotional support, ensuring that individuals receiving care—and their families—do not have to face these challenges alone.

Writing and Advocacy: The Arc of Conversation

In my quest to foster open and constructive conversations about healthcare, I am excited to share that I am the author of the forthcoming textbook, The Arc of Conversation: A How-to Guide for Goals of Care Conversations, set to be published by Springer Nature in early 2025. This book reflects my belief that effective communication is pivotal to quality healthcare. The Arc of Conversation is available for presale at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Throughout my years of practice, I have witnessed the critical role that conversations play in facilitating understanding between healthcare providers, patients, and family members. Through this book, I aim to serve as a guide for effectively navigating complex discussions about goals of care, highlighting strategies for meaningful dialogue. The ability to have these conversations can greatly impact the patient’s journey, ensuring their wishes and values are reflected in their care.

Education and Faculty Role

In addition to my clinical practice and advocacy work, I am proud to serve as a faculty member of ThriveAP, where I teach physician assistants and nurse practitioners about palliative and hospice care. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences with the next generation of healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of compassionate, whole-person care.

Education is a vital component of advocating for quality healthcare, and I am committed to equipping future practitioners with the tools they need to provide empathetic care. Together, we can continue to foster an environment in which patients and families feel understood and supported.

Media Recognition and Community Involvement

In 2024, I had the honor of being featured in the Wyoming PBS special, A State of Mind: The Caregivers. This media recognition allowed me to share insights about dementia care and the importance of supporting caregivers—the often unsung heroes in the healthcare journey. Caregivers provide invaluable support and love, yet they often face emotional and physical challenges themselves. My goal is to not only advocate for patients but also to offer resources and support for those who care for them.

Additionally, I am proud to have penned articles advocating for whole-patient care. These writings reflect my belief that everyone deserves healthcare that encompasses their unique experiences, emotions, and narratives. By promoting a more holistic approach to medicine, we can reshape how care is delivered and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.

Healthcare Consulting Services

In addition to my work as a dementia care specialist, I offer healthcare consulting services aimed at helping organizations develop effective palliative, hospice, and dementia care-focused programs. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the aging population and their families, I collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and facilities to create tailored approaches that prioritize compassionate care.

My consulting services include program development, staff training, and strategic planning, all designed to empower organizations to implement high-quality care models. By merging my clinical experience with insights into best practices and innovative strategies, I strive to enhance the quality of life for patients and their families while also supporting healthcare teams in delivering exceptional care.

Together, we can create environments that foster understanding and empathy, ensuring that the aging population receives the dignified and comprehensive care they deserve. If your organization is looking to strengthen its dementia and palliative care initiatives, I would be thrilled to partner with you on this meaningful journey.

The Road Ahead

As I reflect on my journey thus far, it is clear that my passion for compassionate care and advocacy remains unwavering. My commitment to enhancing the lives of those facing the challenges of dementia and serious illnesses is at the forefront of all I do. I continue to seek innovative ways to improve support systems for families, encourage open dialogue about care decisions, and promote holistic, patient-centered healthcare practices.

I invite you to explore the resources available on this website, learn more about dementia care, palliative and hospice services, and engage with the community of caregivers and families navigating these journeys. Together, we can foster an environment of understanding, support, and compassion—ensuring that no one navigates these challenges alone.

Thank you for visiting my site. If you have any questions or would like to connect, I would love to hear from you. Let’s embark on this journey together, where hope, understanding, and compassionate care await.

Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Specialist,
Author, Healthcare Consultant & Family Advocate