Meet the Care Team: Color’s Primary Care Providers

At Color, primary care physicians (PCP) are redefining what it means to provide accessible, coordinated, and patient-centric cancer care. They help patients understand their risk of cancer, make sure they receive the appropriate screenings, and provide personalized advice on ways to reduce their risk. Additionally, they support patients in managing abnormal screening results to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up care.

Studies indicate that about half of PCPs don’t believe their patients prioritize cancer screening compared to other health issues. Color’s approach is designed to complement traditional PCPs’ role by making sure cancer screenings get done, sharing clinical records, coordinating next steps, and providing specialized support for managing the complexities of cancer care. Color PCPs make it easier for individuals to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, access in-network services, and connect with a PCP if they don’t already have one—addressing the critical gap in care for the 30-40% of U.S. adults without a regular physician.

We sat down with one of Color’s PCPs, Shauna Schwartz, to learn more about her role and experience: 

What inspired you to pursue a career as a primary care provider, and how has your previous experience prepared you for your role at Color?

I’ve always been drawn to primary care because it allows me to build long-term relationships with patients while addressing a wide range of health needs. My journey began in internal medicine, and I’ve been working in outpatient primary care since completing my residency in 2009. Over the years, I’ve also gained experience in inpatient care and telemedicine, which has been invaluable.

Joining Color felt like a natural next step in my career, particularly because of my long-standing interest in oncology. I’ve always wanted to make a meaningful impact in cancer prevention and care. In fact, I almost pursued a hematology-oncology fellowship, but plans shifted when the hospital where I was set to train closed. Coming to Color’s Virtual Cancer Clinic feels like fulfilling a destiny—a chance to focus on prevention and screening for healthy patients to help prevent cancer before it starts. It’s incredibly rewarding.

How has your experience with telemedicine shaped your ability to connect with and support patients? Are there any specific challenges or benefits you’ve noticed?

Telemedicine has profoundly shaped how I connect with patients. I began working in telehealth long before the COVID-19 pandemic, starting in January 2019. It’s not as simple as just moving a traditional appointment online; it requires a unique set of skills to establish trust and build rapport through a screen. Many primary care doctors find this challenging, but I’ve spent years honing my ability to connect with patients virtually.

I’m excited about the ability to help patients in all 50 states. One of the greatest benefits of telemedicine is its ability to cross geographic barriers and. This allows me to treat patients in rural or underserved areas where healthcare access is limited. For instance, I’ve cared for patients in Montana, Louisiana, and small towns hours outside major cities like Atlanta. For some of these patients, the nearest doctor might be 45 minutes or more away. Telemedicine bridges that gap, providing expertise and care that might otherwise be out of reach. It’s a privilege to offer this level of access.

In addition to expanding access, telemedicine has taught me how to adapt to diverse patient environments and needs. I’ve had virtual visits with patients sitting in their backyards, surrounded by horses, or in remote farming communities. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the varied contexts in which patients live and the unique challenges they face. Telemedicine allows me to bring high-quality care to patients on their terms, making healthcare more personal and accessible.

What do you find most fulfilling or rewarding about your work as a Color PCP, and how does it impact your perspective on patient care?

Being a physician that’s part of the country’s first and only Virtual Cancer Clinic is incredibly exciting and rewarding. Collaborating with the American Cancer Society and contributing to a groundbreaking initiative is a career highlight. The work we’re doing is innovative, impactful, and continually growing.

Knowing that we’re providing patients with proactive, preventative care at a time when early detection is critical is deeply fulfilling. It’s a reminder of the power of healthcare innovation and how much we can achieve with the right tools and vision. This role has further solidified my belief in patient-centered care and the importance of thinking beyond traditional healthcare models.

If you weren’t working in healthcare, what career or passion would you be pursuing instead?

If I weren’t a doctor, I’d be pursuing a passion I’ve had for years: cooking. I’ve always dreamed of going to culinary school in France to refine my skills as an amateur chef. The creativity and precision required in cooking remind me a bit of medicine, though the stakes are certainly different! Whether working in a restaurant or exploring this as a personal passion project, I know it would bring me joy.