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Melissa Atwell,

PA-C

Physician Assistant

Melissa Spooner Chicago
Location
City of Hope Chicago
2520 Elisha Avenue
Zion, IL 60099
Specialties
Advanced Practice Professional
Education
Advanced degrees:

Master of Science, Physician Assistant Studies - University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Certifications

Certified Physician Assistant - National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants

Advanced Cardiac Life Support – American Heart Association

Basic Life Support – American Heart Association 

About Me

Melissa Atwell, PA-C, joined City of Hope in Chicago, Illinois, in February 2022. As a Physician Assistant in the Department of Oncoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Atwell works to prepare patients for surgery and manages their post-operative care.

While she was initially drawn to oncology due to an interest in its surgical aspects, Atwell has developed a great appreciation for the process of diagnosis and developing individualized treatment plans. She is passionate about the need for integrative care in cancer treatment — treating the whole person and supporting their emotional needs, in addition to the physical manifestations of their disease.

It was this passion that led Atwell to City of Hope Chicago.

“I was drawn to work at City of Hope due to its comprehensive approach to cancer care,” she says. “I feel all patients with a cancer diagnosis should have access to advanced and up-to-date treatment options, in addition to feeling supported throughout their journey. City of Hope provides a uniquely efficient and collaborative approach to cancer care that not only allows for access to early treatment for many, but also helps to advocate for the patient’s physical, mental and emotional well-being during a difficult time.”

Atwell has been practicing as a board-certified Physician Assistant since 2019, developing specific expertise in the treatment of breast conditions. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and holds certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support from the American Heart Association.

Atwell earned her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, in 2019, then began practicing at the National Breast Center at George Washington University Hospital. She relocated to the Chicago area in 2021, working in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at another area clinic before coming to City of Hope.

Outside of work, Atwell enjoys spending time outdoors with her fiancé: running, hiking and playing sports. They stay busy caring for their family of two cats and dog.

Patient reviews
The patient ratings and comments on this page are obtained from an external Press Ganey® outpatient survey provided to all eligible City of Hope patients within one to two weeks of their treatment occurrence. Raw data from the answers to the survey questions about our physicians are calculated by Press Ganey into a one- to five- star rating. In the spirit of transparency, all patient comments are posted as written by the patient, whether they are positive or negative. We only exclude comments if they are deemed to be slanderous or libelous, contain profanity or vulgar language, or do not relate to the patient's experience with the doctor involved. As a result, the comments are the views and opinions of the patients surveyed and are not endorsed by, and may not necessarily reflect the opinion of, City of Hope.