Patrick Nelson, PA

Patrick Nelson is a physician assistant in the ENT department at Tamarack Health Ashland Medical Center and has joined the team, which includes physician Mark Rhodes, MD.
He focuses on general otolaryngology (ENT) services, including a wide range of ear, nose, and throat conditions in both adults and children. This includes ear infections, hearing loss, dizziness and balance concerns, chronic sinus and allergy problems, nasal obstruction, snoring and sleep apnea evaluation, voice changes, swallowing issues, and many common neck, thyroid, and salivary gland concerns.
“My vision is to provide the kind of care I’d want for my own family: careful listening, clear explanations, and a shared plan that actually fits real life,” he says. “In a smaller community, I see myself as a long-term partner in my patients’ health, not just someone who treats a single problem and moves on. I want every patient to leave feeling heard, understood, and confident about what …we’re doing and why.”
One piece of advice he shares with patients is not to ignore small, nagging changes. “Your body usually whispers before it shouts,” he says. “If something about your hearing, breathing, voice, or swallowing doesn’t feel right, check in early rather than waiting. Bringing your questions and concerns to us sooner often means simpler treatments, better outcomes, and more peace of mind.”
Patrick is married to Cristina Castillo-Nelson, MD, a local family physician. They have three children, and together they enjoy soccer, skiing, hiking, reading, dance, gymnastics, piano, and flute. In his free time, Patrick enjoys mountain biking and gravel riding with friends, cross-country and downhill skiing, sauna and cold plunges, family hikes and trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, gardening, and fall grouse and deer hunting.