We've got the best APPs around—advanced practice providers, that is. You know them as nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and certified nurse midwives (CNMs), among others. They are invaluable partners at Saratoga Hospital and our 20+ locations, and your care is better because of them. In honor of APP Appreciation Week, we are thrilled to introduce you to a few of them.

For Mark Costello, a career at Saratoga Hospital marked a full-circle moment. 

"I was born in Saratoga Hospital about 30 years ago," he says. "This is the place my dearest friends and family call home."

While working as a technician in the emergency department, Mark decided to go to school to be a physician assistant. He earned his bachelor's degree in human biology from SUNY Oneonta, and completed a master's degree in physician assistant studies at Marist College. Mark returned to the emergency department after graduate school, and has been here for two years.

When he's not seeing patients in the ED, Mark enjoys camping, hiking, and traveling—but he always looks forward to coming back and serving this community. He works with all members of the department to ensure patients receive kind, respectful care when they need it. 

"Since my family is from Saratoga, I often meet patients who knew my grandfather," Mark says. "They see my name badge and share funny stories about him, or sweet words about my grandmother. I've always loved it here, but coming home after college made me realize what a special place Saratoga Hospital truly is."