Patients feel like ‘extended family’ to August Ambassador

Aug. 4, 2025 -- For more than 11 years, Sara Munchel has been a constant presence at Reid Health Primary & Specialty Care - Cambridge City.

As a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Clinical Lead for the practice, she's had the opportunity to build special bonds with her patients.

"I love the family practice setting. I enjoy being able to care for infants all the way up to geriatrics," Munchel said.

"Being at the same office for so long, I've watched many kids grow up over the years. I feel like they're extended family when I know so much about them and they ask me about my family. It makes me feel good when returning patients ask for me to room them."

Originally from Connersville, Reid Health's Ambassador for August has lived in Cambridge City for almost 25 years.

Her patients often will see her around town, or at least someone who looks -- and sounds -- just like her.

"I'm an identical twin. My sister's name is Joani," Munchel said. "Living in a smaller community, I forget sometimes she might run into patients who know me or I've been asked, 'I thought you were a teacher (her sister's profession).' We look and sound exactly alike, so I have to explain, 'You probably ran into her.'"

Munchel's co-workers praise her work ethic and how she goes out of her way to ensure her patients have everything they need.

"Sara is an amazing leader and CMA," one person said. "She has a very kind heart and goes above and beyond for her patients. She's a paragon of Reid Health's mission. Reid is very lucky to have her!"

"Working as a CMA and being the office Clinical Lead is stressful and demanding," another co-worker said. "She's always there to answer a question, keep things in stock, and to do pretty much anything needed in our office. We couldn't do what we do without her."

"Sara goes above and beyond for her patients, including doing anything she can to ensure prior authorizations go through," a third person said. "Our office only runs as smoothly as it does because of her knowledge!"

"I'm motivated by knowing I help people feel seen, heard, and cared for when they're at their most vulnerable." -- Sara Munchel, CMA and Clinical Lead

When she's not working, Munchel can be found outside on the family farm where they raise beef cattle. She also enjoys reading and watching her kids -- Aidan and Savannah -- participate in sports and 4-H, and she loves animals (but not spiders).

"I would adopt every dog if I could, but my husband (Michael) says no," Munchel said. "Right now, we have a sweet bottle calf named Hank who I feed a couple times a day."

She credits her team for keeping things fun at work and knows she can count on them for support when needed.

"I find purpose in being dependable and a leader at our clinic," Munchel said. "I strive to be someone my team can count on and come to for questions. I try to stay one step ahead to help troubleshoot anything that comes up.

"I'm motivated by knowing I help people feel seen, heard, and cared for when they're at their most vulnerable."