Compassionate care means listening first, treating holistically, and empowering every patient to become an active partner in their own health.
Joana Sun is a certified family nurse practitioner who provides care for patients of all ages at Community Care Family Practice Colonie. She is passionate about helping people find clarity and empowerment in their health journeys, approaching every visit with empathy, curiosity, and a focus on whole-person wellness. Joana earned her Master of Science in nursing, family medicine from UMass Medical School in Worcester, MA, and her Bachelor of Science in biomedical science and psychology from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Joana speaks conversational Mandarin Chinese and values the diversity and connection that come from caring for patients from many backgrounds.
Her path to medicine was shaped early in her nursing career, when she saw how often patients struggled to have their symptoms taken seriously. That experience inspired her to become a nurse practitioner—so she could take a more active role in diagnosing, managing, and advocating for patients who often fall through the cracks. Joana believes that the most important part of her job is listening: understanding the story behind each symptom and seeing every patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. She aims to create a safe space where every question is welcomed and every symptom is addressed. Whether managing a complex chronic condition or working toward overall wellness, Joana is committed to helping each patient feel informed, heard, and supported at every step.
Her medical interests include women’s health, particularly endometriosis and pelvic pain, as well as bridging traditional and holistic approaches to care. Joana finds deep fulfillment in helping patients achieve meaningful symptom relief, improve their quality of life, and build confidence in managing their own health.
Originally from Connecticut, Joana spent the past decade in the Bay Area, California, before returning to the Capital Region to be closer to family and raise her young son. Outside of medicine, Joana is a lifelong tennis player and former collegiate athlete who still loves staying active through tennis, weightlifting, and HIIT workouts. She enjoys exploring national parks, cooking new recipes, and photographing family moments with her husband, toddler, and their dog. She also hopes to rejoin ACEing Autism, a nonprofit that provides tennis lessons to children on the autism spectrum.