Emergency Center Advanced Practice Providers Spotlight

Our emergency center (EC) Advanced Practice Providers are specialized providers who quickly assess and respond to each patient’s physical condition as well as the environmental or emotional factors that may be contributing. They work in a fast-paced environment and are always ready to give the best care to meet the patient's needs. We want to thank our EC Advanced Practice Providers for always being ready to respond to our most urgent cases.

Lex Dooley, MPAS, PA-C

Lex started his medical career as a Registered Nurse in the pediatric EC/ICU for 5 years. He furthered his training through the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, and graduated from Physician Assistant school in 2013. He has spent the last seven years practicing Emergency Medicine here at UMC.

“I love practicing Medicine here in the Emergency Center. My colleagues are amazing, and the teamwork is unmatched. I am totally blessed to be a part of the EC staff and a member of the UMC family.”

Neal Portwood, MPAS, PA-C

Neal started at UMC in 2001 and worked in several different departments including Nursing Support Services, the Operating Room, and the Clinical Lab. Meanwhile, he attended the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and received his Bachelor’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. He then went on and attended the Physician Assistant Program at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and received his Master's degree and became a certified Physician's Assistant in 2009. After graduation, Neal began working in the UMC Emergency Center, and has been at UMC for the past 12 years.

“I enjoy the UMC family, and providing care for the Lubbock Community. It is an honor!”

John Cline, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

John started his nursing career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). He then completed his Registered Nurse License (RN) at Amarillo College. He later completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Oklahoma Panhandle State University. He worked in an emergency room for 5 years prior to beginning his career at UMC. John started at UMC as a critical care nurse in the Surgical ICU and then worked 5 years in the Emergency Center as Registered Nurse. He continued his education and received his Master of Science in Nursing and became a Family Nurse Practitioner. He has served the UMC Emergency Center for 15 years as a Nurse Practitioner.

“I enjoy the daily challenges of the EC and helping people in one of their most stressful times. I love the people I work with and the teamwork of everyone in the EC.”

Matt Pringle, MPAS, PA-C

Matt knew from a young age he wanted to be in the medical field. He received his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in 2009. He then came to UMC and has worked in the emergency center for the past 12 years.

“During my first years in college I was able to shadow physician assistants at UMC. I knew then that the Emergency Center at UMC was where I wanted to practice medicine. UMC has been a great blessing to me and my family.”

Rachel Box-Wanzor, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Rachel started her career in Carlsbad, New Mexico, as a Registered Nurse. She then received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New Mexico State University. She then got her Family Nurse Practitioner from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Rachel than attended the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center to receive her Master of Science in Nursing. She has been at UMC for the past five years.

“Being a nurse practitioner in the Emergency Center makes me feel fulfilled professionally. I know that UMC is unique in its culture, in its staffing who works together with a team approach, and in giving opportunities for continuing education.”