For Cass Thompson, II, MPAS, PA-C, a Board Certified PA at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital, serving communities in San Antonio as well as underserved areas in rural clinics is one way he has combined his passion for caregiving with his medical career.
“We have clinics in different parts of San Antonio, like Castroville and Bandera,” Thompson said. “At these clinics, we try to offer as much low-cost care as we can.”
The Helping Hands Clinic, one of the facilities where Thompson frequently works, provides general medical care. Located about an hour from San Antonio, the clinic serves a diverse patient population.
“We see a lot of chronic conditions, but we also try to capture acute care visits on weekends when people can’t make it during the week,” he said. “You’d think most patients would be Spanish-speaking because it’s Texas, but we see people from everywhere, some even speak Farsi.”
“I speak a little Spanish, but we always have interpreters working with our patients,” Thompson said.
Thompson has been involved with these clinics since 2020, playing an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re still addressing both chronic and acute conditions, adapting to the needs of the communities we serve,” he said.
Thompson earned his bachelor’s degree in science from McNeese State University in Louisiana, with minors in math and psychology. He earned a master’s degree in human biomechanics before enrolling at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 2018.
“My caregiving experience, especially providing overnight hospice care, really solidified my desire to help people at critical moments in their lives,” Thompson said.
Thompson currently practices hospital medicine, focusing on internal medicine. Although he’s not directly involved in palliative care, his work often involves coordinating care for patients who need hospice or rehabilitation services.
“Living in different locations like Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana has been important to my personal growth,” he said. “Everyone’s different and I needed to learn about my surroundings and about the people who live there.”
Working With Underserved Populations
About 24.4% of PAs practice in a Health Professional Shortage Area and/or Medically Underserved Area (HPSA/MUAs), according to the 2024 NCCPA Statistical Profile of Board Certified PAs by Specialty.
Rural clinics in places like Castroville and Bandera are serving a local farming population, many of whom suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, Thompson said.
“The biggest challenges are adherence to treatment plans and limited medical education,” he said. “Due to limited resources, patients may struggle to refill prescriptions. We always have to consider cost and accessibility as we develop treatment plans.”
The clinics rely on donations from other practices as well as pharmaceutical representatives who often provide medications they have over-supplies of.
Rewarding Way to Give Back
The rural clinics Thompson serves are vital lifelines for their communities, offering care to those who might not otherwise receive it. The work is a way to give back and pay forward the kindness and mentorship he’s received throughout his career.
“Sacrificing my time and expertise for others has made my life very rewarding,” Thompson said.
Cass Thompson, II, MPAS, PA-C
Castural “Cass” Thompson, II, MPAS, PA-C, is a Board Certified PA and inpatient hospitalist at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital. He earned his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from UT Health San Antonio.