Dr. Elena Padrell accepts post as VA clinic medical director
“I started this practice in 2002, when I joined with Melody Benson, a former business partner,” Padrell said. “It’s a wonderful practice. For a small town, it is quite cosmopolitan here, and there is a representation of many levels of society. Our patients come from all over the beach area, and the need is great. There is a scarcity in mental-health services here for such a fast-growing area.”
Common among those who come to the practice have been retirees who move here and then miss their network of family members. “Often, after a few months, they adjust and are glad they made the move,” Padrell said.
In her new position, effective May 30, Padrell will be in charge of two newly created Veterans Administration (VA) outpatient clinics in Georgetown and Dover. “We’ll reach out to other areas, too,” she said. “I’ve had some previous experience in working with the VA. They are such a grateful population.”
One of the main reasons Padrell is making the change is she hopes to have the opportunity to work on some clinical research. “I have a Ph.D. in psychopharmacology in my background,” she said, “and I’ve done research at places such as Mount Sinai [N.Y.] and Baylor Schools of Medicine [Houston, Texas]. I’ve missed being involved in that field.”
Padrell is turning over her practice to Kimberly E. Gerardi, APRN, BC, CNS. Gerardi is board certified and has vast psychiatric experience. As an advanced-practice nurse, Gerardi practices at the State Mental Health, Fellowship Health Resources and La Red Health Center in Georgetown and makes rounds at the Milford Center, a long-term care facility in Milford. In addition, she is a nursing instructor at Delaware Technical & Community College, Owens Campus, but will be leaving at the end of the semester.
This move of the two professionals represents a big change for both of them. “This is the first time that I will own my practice,” Gerardi said. “I will miss my Del Tech family, but they are supportive of my new journey.”
“I will not be making major changes,” she said. “I really want to get to know patients and their needs. There is such a need for psychiatric services in Sussex County, and I am looking forward to contributing more of my time to provide quality services.”
Padrell will collaborate with Gerardi, providing consultations to her as needed.
Practice hours
Monday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday - 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Thursday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The office is located at 1307 Savannah Road, Lewes, and handles all forms of insurance and managed care. For more information, call 3020-644-2773.
