WARREN, Ind. – Aug. 27, 2026 – Harrison Smith, PA, has joined the team at Parkview Physicians Group (PPG) – Family Medicine in Warren.
Smith works alongside Dr. Julie Utendorf and Kayla Hoeffel, NP, to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages at the 470 Bennett Drive office.
Previously, Smith treated patients at the PPG – Family Medicine office on the Parkview Huntington Hospital campus since late 2023.
He prioritizes collaborative, patient-centered care by ensuring patients understand their treatment options and feel confident in the decisions they make about their health.
“Patient care, to me, is very much a two-way conversation,” said Smith. “I strive to recommend the best care plan possible while also taking the time to explain each patient’s options, including the risks and benefits. Some patients want every detail so they can make an informed decision themselves, while others prefer more direct guidance. I’ve found that tailoring my approach to each individual helps create a more comfortable and effective care experience.”
Smith began his medical career working as an emergency care technician in Parkview Regional Medical Center’s Emergency Department. During his PA training, his clinical experiences included rotations in diverse areas, such as general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, obstetrics, hospital medicine, psychiatry and primary care.
He completed his master’s degree in physician assistant studies at Fort Wayne’s University of Saint Francis (USF). He also attended USF for his undergraduate studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology specifically designed for aspiring medical professionals planning to become physician assistants.
Smith is board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. He is also a member of the Indiana Association of Physician Assistants.
Smith says he is motivated by helping patients improve their physical and mental well-being while also reducing their risk for future health complications. Building trust and caring for neighbors is an important part of his approach to medicine.
“When your patients are also your neighbors, you feel an even greater responsibility to provide compassionate, high-quality care and help the community thrive,” said Smith. “I want patients to feel comfortable asking questions and having open conversations about their health so we can make informed decisions together.”
Away from the office, he and his wife enjoy visiting friends and family, snowmobiling, following Indiana’s professional football and basketball teams, and traveling to dirt track and professional stock car races.
Kayla Hoeffel, NP
Hoeffel earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind. She is a family nurse practitioner with
In addition to her advanced practice training, Hoeffel brings several years of nursing experience from Parkview Heart Institute, where she served as both a staff nurse and a charge nurse on a progressive cardiac care unit. She is also a nurse preceptor, helping to guide and train new nurses entering clinical practice.
Hoeffel is board-certified by the Indiana Board of Nursing. She has been recognized for her commitment to patient care through a DAISY Award nomination and a Guardian Angel Award through the Parkview Health Foundation.
She emphasizes clear communication, active listening and shared decision-making, working closely with patients to ensure care plans reflect their unique needs and values.
"I am motivated by the opportunity to provide quality, compassionate care and make a meaningful impact on people's lives," said Hoeffel. "My goal is to educate and empower patients to make choices that improve their health.”
Hoeffel is passionate about keeping up with ongoing changes in healthcare and helping her patients achieve long-term wellness through education and disease prevention.
In her leisure time, Hoeffel enjoys neighborhood walks with her husband and son, antique shopping with her mother and sister, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops.
Julie Utendorf, MD
Dr. Utendorf has served individuals and families in the Huntington County community for 26 years. While she is not currently accepting
For more information on these providers, visit the Warren clinic page on parkview.com.
