Confluence Health provider named Rural PA of the Year

WENATCHEE — Niekol Hall, an advanced practice provider core medical director and physician assistant with Confluence Health, has been named Rural Physician Assistant of the Year by the Washington Academy of Physician Assistants.

The award was presented during the 2026 WAPA/OSPA joint spring conference, held March 8 in Stevenson at Skamania Lodge.

Hall works in hospital medicine and was recognized for contributions to rural community health care. The annual award honors a Washington state physician assistant who has made significant contributions to health care in rural communities.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Hall said. “This is not only a reflection of my work as a clinician and as a leader but a reflection of all the work that Confluence Health advanced practice providers do to provide care to patients, especially those in the most rural areas who would otherwise not travel for care.”

The Washington Academy of Physician Assistants describes the award as recognizing dedication, compassion and innovation in delivering care to underserved areas, including efforts that improve access to health care resources and address challenges unique to rural settings.

Dr. James Murray, chief medical officer for Confluence Health, said Hall’s leadership and contributions extend beyond her current role.

“Niekol is a remarkable provider and leader, and this award is well deserved,” Murray said. “Even before she accepted the position of APP core medical director, she was already doing so much to advance the profession and to improve how healthcare is delivered, establishing committees and bringing people together to do the oftentimes unseen but important work that translates into better care for patients and a better system overall. She has always been someone willing to volunteer and step in to do what was needed. She has been a tireless advocate for APPs and the community we serve, while also being an outstanding colleague and wonderful clinician.”

Hall said her motivation for becoming a physician assistant centers on collaboration in patient care.

“When I think about why I became a PA it always comes back to the people – patients, clinicians, and teams – and the belief we can deliver care better together,” she said. “I am grateful to those who mentor me, the teams who trust me, and to the APPs across Confluence Health who continue to show up with compassion every day, even when healthcare feels heavy.”

Hall is the second Confluence Health physician assistant to receive the award in recent years. Maria Dalzell, a physician assistant in nephrology, was honored in 2024.