Frank Pennoni, PA - Beacon Medical Group ENT and Audiology South Bend

About Frank Pennoni

With his immediate family all in the medical field, it was no question for Frank Pennoni, PA-C, that he would do something in the field. “My father has been the director of a laboratory for 25 years, and both my mom and sister are nurses,” he says.

While a senior at Indiana University, Bloomington, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology, he learned about the PA profession. After doing some research, he loved the idea of being a PA and started the process of gaining patient care experience so he could apply for graduate school. He earned his Master of Science in Biology from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, and his Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Indiana State University, Terre Haute.

He enjoys the field for the variety of ENT cases he sees in a day -- a mixture of acute and chronic, or rare and common conditions in kids and adults. “From the most urgent condition-airway emergency to nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, thyroid problems, cancers, etc. – I will get to see it all,” he says.

Frank is often asked what a PA does. He explains it is a licensed advanced practice provider who delivers direct patient care to all ages in most specialties. A PA performs physical exams, orders and interprets lab tests and imaging, develops and manages treatment plans, prescribes medications, and provides preventative care to patients, all while working under the supervision of their collaborating physician, he explains.

While clinical schedules can get hectic, Frank says he treats each patient as if they were his mother or father. “I would want my family to receive the best possible care, so that is the goal I have with each patient,” he says. “Treat every patient as your family or friend. Treat them with the same dedication and commitment you would your loved ones.”

In his own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  My parents. They taught me the value of hard work, determination and resilience. 

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  My first job was Burger King. I remember it taught me how to have good people skills, and a sense of responsibility.

What is your favorite food? Movie?  Favorite food: Vietnamese food    Favorite movie: The Green Mile

What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  My best subjects were math and sciences. My worst subject was art.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  Albert Einstein. He was a brilliant scientist and mathematician who changed our understanding of the universe. I would find it interesting to learn his perspective on the current state of science and technology.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about?  My family. I have three nephews and one niece.

What are your hobbies, interests?  My hobbies include golfing, playing basketball, exercising, watching sports and playing video games.

Do you have pets?  Yes, I have two cats – Luna and Aurora.

What is something most people don’t know about you?  I grew up on a farm. Also, I was on the chess team in middle school and we got seventh in the state.