amite rural health clinic

Blaine helps people who might be struggling with attention and behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, mood disorders and trauma recovery. He sees children (age5 and up), teens and adults.

"From a very young age, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field because I have a passion for helping others. Throughout my life and nursing career, I became very passionate about mental health. I realized that there is a shortage of providers who possess a true passion in helping individuals struggling with their mental health — and that led me to where I am now. I put my passion into practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and strive to help people who are struggling mentally become their best self.”

Dr. Shahid is an Internal Medicine and Geriatrics physician with more than 20 years of caring for our neighbors.

Tara Estay began her nursing career in 1996 after graduating from Nicholls State University. During her career, Tara has worked in a variety of healthcare settings including Labor & Delivery, Pediatrics, Intensive Care, and the Emergency Room.  While working full time in the Emergency Room and raising four children, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Science from the University of South Alabama in 2014. She is member of the American  Association of Nurse Practitioners and The Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners. Tara believes in focusing on the whole person when caring for her patients. She is passionate about providing quality care while remaining mindful of her patients’ individual preferences and needs.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and working on her farm. Her hobbies include sewing, crocheting, and crafting. She is an active member in her church and enjoys participating in serve days which focus on helping/serving members of her community.

Ryan Seal is a board certified family nurse practitioner with the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. He grew up in the Amite area, and he attended high school at Oak Forest Academy in Amite.  After high school, he received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.  After several years of nursing experience, he then went on to complete is Masters of Science in Nursing at the University of South Alabama.  Away from work, Ryan enjoys spending much of his time in the outdoors and with his wife and family.

Chad earned his bachelor's degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. He attended the physician assistant program at Our Lady of the Lake College where he earned a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Chad is board certified through the NCCPA and is licensed as a PA through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners. He is also an active member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Louisiana Academy of Physician Assistants.  Chad is originally from Kentwood, LA and now resides in Amite.

Educated in the same medical model as physicians, PAs provide a broad range of services that are typically the same as those you might receive from your doctor. You will find that PAs are patient-focused and willing to spend time with you during your visit. PAs receive a master's degree and are then certified by passing a national board examination, which they then retake every 6 years. PAs can work in all areas of medicine from primary care to emergency medicine to surgery. They can prescribe medications, order and interpret tests and radiologic imaging, and perform procedures such as suturing. Physician assistants work as part of a team with one or several doctors with whom they collaborate to provide the most comprehensive and personal care for each patient.