Faculty

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Program director welcome

Shekitta Acker, MS, PA-C There has never been a better time to become a PA. We’re glad you’re exploring our program to see if this may be the ideal fit in your journey towards becoming a PA.

You will excel within this program if you learn best in small groups that engage in active learning rather than extended periods of lectures. Successful students are also people-oriented, independent thinkers who engage surrounding peers, teachers, and mentors to advance their learning.

You will fit well in this program if you enjoy learning in an environment that emphasizes “the needs of the patient come first." It’s an adage from the Mayo brothers and now, more than 150 years later, it serves to guide us just as well. Our PA students learn in an environment that expertly integrates the primary care needs of every patient in the broad range of specialized care for which Mayo Clinic is recognized.

I personally have a passion for supporting PA students to excel in leadership. Our program intentionally teaches PA students techniques of leadership that influence patients to pursue optimal health. Mastering leadership skills are vital to PAs serving effectively in Mayo Clinic’s team-based care.

We encourage you to find a PA program that will maximize your personal learning experience and development. If Mayo Clinic meets your expectations, we look forward to visiting with you.

Best regards,

Shekitta Acker, P.A.-C., Ph.D., M.S.
PA Program Director

Shekitta Acker, P.A.-C., Ph.D., M.S.

Program Director
Assistant Professor of Medical Education

About me: I've been a PA for 13 years with clinical practice in family and adolescent medicine. I bring 16 years of experience in PA education with adjunct instructor appointments at Duke University and St. Augustine University. Most recently I served the PA program at MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Current research interests: Cognitive test anxiety, role of PAs and NPs in the care of trafficked children

PubMed citations

You should know: I have three beautiful children. We enjoy going to movies, family game night, and traveling. I'm also a member of the Commission on Research and Strategic Initiatives for the American Academy of PAs.

Katie Rieck, M.D., M.H.A.

Medical Director
Assistant Professor of Medicine

About me: I grew up in Waseca, MN, and attended medical school at the University of Iowa. I completed the Internal Medicine Residency at Mayo Clinic in 2011 and have since been a consultant in Hospital Internal Medicine. I joined the Mayo PA Program as Medical Director in 2019.

Current research interests: NSAID associated acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients as well as partnering with our fantastic PA faculty on projects including a point-of-care ultrasound project

PubMed citations

You should know: My husband Thom, who works at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program, and I enjoy exploring our many wonderful Minnesota state parks, gardening, and traveling.

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Faculty mentorship

Our faculty, instructors, and preceptors are committed to providing an individualized approach to your success. They are experts in their respective fields and as teaching faculty, provide unique opportunities for your learning success. Having these mentoring relationships across the PA curriculum develops not only a higher level of learning retention, but emphasizes the development of your critical thinking skills.

Meet the faculty

	Alan Brokenicky, MPAS Academic Co-Director Instructor About me: I have been a PA since 2008 with clinical practice in family medicine, hospital internal medicine, and urgent care/emergency medicine. Most of my practice has been in community health clinics serving the Hispanic population in Tulsa, OK. I began working full-time in PA education in 2018 and came to the Mayo Clinic PA program in 2019. Current research interests: Integration of cultural sensitivity and population health in medical education, telehealth, and best practices in instructional technology You should know: My wife, and I and our three children are native Nebraskans. I am fluent in Spanish after living in Guatemala for two years shortly after high school as a missionary. I've also participated in medical mission trips to Nicaragua, India, and Nepal. I enjoy photography, the outdoors, working with my hands in wood and metal, singing, and playing the guitar.
	Chelsey Hoffmann, P.A.-C., M.S. Academic Co-Director Assistant Professor of Medical Education About me: I have worked with the Mayo Clinic PA Program for three years. I also previously worked at Mayo Clinic in the Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine for eight years. I'm an invited lecturer on pain medicine at local and national meetings. I am also co-director for the annual Mayo Clinic Physician Assistant Board Review Course and current Chair of the North American Neuromodulation Society Advanced Practice Provider Committee (2022). Current research interests: Wellness curricula in PA education, PA student note taking practices, peripheral nerve stimulation, and nutrition interventions for chronic pain. PubMed citations You should know: I became a Registered Dietitian before becoming a certified PA. Faculty and student health/wellness are always at the forefront of my mind. I am married to my husband Jay, and we have two sons, Everett and Lincoln. We enjoy listening to podcasts, reading, meal prepping, and fitness.
	Mike Breunig, P.A.-C., M.S. Clinical Skills Co-Director PA in Hospital Internal Medicine Assistant Professor of Medicine About me: I have been a PA since 2012 and continue to work clinically in the division of Hospital Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I received numerous awards for my contribution to education and mentorship for NPs and PAs at Mayo Clinic. I was recently awarded the PA of the Year Award for the Minnesota Academy of PAs. I have a passion for use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in clinical practice and education. Current research interests: Integration of Point-of-Care Ultrasound into clinical practice and PA education PubMed citations You should know: My wife, Emily, and I have two children, Roman and Violet. I enjoy cooking, camping, hiking, reading, and most of all, spending time with my family. We enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors together.
	Danielle O’Laughlin, P.A.-C., M.S. Clinical Skills Co-Director PA in Community Internal Medicine Assistant Professor of Medicine About me: I have been a PA for 13 years with clinical practice in acute care and community internal medicine. I serve as the lead for the Employee and Community Health (ECH) Gynecology clinic and am a proceduralist in the ECH procedure clinic. I have experience in education through my clinic and program roles and have lectured on a local, national, and international level. Current research interests: Use of ultrasound for intrauterine contraceptive location and intrauterine contraceptive effects on anemia and heavy menstrual bleeding PubMed citations You should know: I'm married to my husband, Corey, and we have two beautiful sons, William and Henry. We enjoy travel, spending time on the water, and outdoor adventures.
	Victoria Louwagie, P.A.-C., M.S. Clinical Co-Director of Development PA in Gastroenterology and Hepatology Assistant Professor of Medicine About me: I have been a PA for 11 years in inpatient and outpatient community gastroenterology and hepatology. I have a leadership role in Mayo Clinic Health System, am passionate about new-hire curriculum/onboarding, and provide peer-peer mentorship. Current research interests: PA workforce and workforce readiness, mentorship within the PA profession, trends in PA academic rank, and the study of PA-healthcare team dynamics PubMed citations You should know: I completed my Doctorate of Medical Science degree with a focus in Healthcare Administration and Management. I'm the first PA in Southwest MN Mayo Clinic Health System awarded a protected research time grant and funding. I am married and have an energetic young son. I also find pleasure in traveling and exploring new places. My family and I enjoy living on a lake, camping, and spending time together.
	Brittany Strelow, DMSc, P.A.-C., M.S. Clinical Co-Director of Development PA in Community Internal Medicine Assistant Professor of Medicine About me: I have been a PA for over a decade with clinical practice in hematology, family medicine, and internal medicine. I've published peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, abstracts, and posters, and presented locally, nationally, and internationally. I have also received POCN Top PA: Internal Medicine and Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants (MAPA) Preceptor/Mentor of the Year. I'm active with leadership in both state and national PA chapters, currently serving as the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants President Elect and Faculty Representative, American Academy of Physician Assistants Commission on the Health of the Public, and Minnesota Board of Medical Practice: PA Advisory Council. Current research interests: One of my passions has been to improve patient experience where I earned my Gold Status from the Mayo Clinic Quality Academy. I have presented on this topic across the nation and internationally. Current projects include cervical cancer screening and research in mentorship and academic rank. PubMed citations You should know: In my free time, I am a mom to two kiddos, and have a loveable chocolate lab. My hobbies include scrapbooking and cake decorating, and I've taught these skills in the community for many years. I am also an avid volunteer for the American Cancer Society.
	Justine Herndon, P.A.-C. Clinical Co-Director of Evaluation PA in Endocrinology Assistant Professor of Medicine About me: I have been a PA at Mayo Clinic in the Department of Endocrinology since 2012. My practice subspecialty focus includes pituitary and adrenal diseases and transgender health. In addition to clinical practice, I lecture on endocrinology topics at both the local and national level, and have published in high-impact endocrine journals. I am also a co-director for the Mayo Clinic PA Board Review CME course and am on the Education Committee for the American Society of Endocrine Physician Assistants. Current research interests: Pituitary and adrenal dysfunction after radiation, various Transgender Health topics, Mentorship for APPs. PubMed citations You should know: I enjoy spending time with my spouse and two boys; hiking, biking, and going to the beach are family favorites. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, and participating in triathlons.
	Ryan Kingsley, MPAS, P.A.-C. Clinical Co-Director of Evaluation' PA in Hospital Internal Medicine Assistant Professor of Medical Education About me: I have served in diverse medical education roles with the U.S. Army, United Nations, American Heart Association, and Mayo Clinic over the last 17 years. I present regularly at several local, regional, and national conferences. I currently serve as Director-at-Large for the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants, Medical Officer for 1-151 Field Artillery Battalion, founding director of the Mayo PA Program Student Academy, and on various committees and working groups. Current research interests: Evaluation of entrustability in PA students, extended reality in medical education, point-of-care ultrasound education, cardiac conduction delay associated with remdesivir in COVID-19 infection, cognitive load in medical education and simulation, use of artificial intelligence to predict emergency department admission, and detection of substance use disorders in hospitalized patients PubMed citations You should know: My wife, Stephanie, and I have three young children and they enjoy being outdoors and traveling. In my spare time, I volunteer with the Mayo Clinic Veteran Recognition Program, and I enjoy gardening and remodeling.

Meet the staff

Physician Assistant Program staff

	Cathy Devine Administrative Assistant About me: I have been an administrative assistant for 12 years with Mayo Clinic and joined the PA program in September 2021. I have three children and one granddaughter.
	Shar Yanambaka Education Administration Coordinator, Year 1 - Didactic About me: I have been the Education Administration Coordinator for the PA program since 2020. I moved to the Unites States eight years ago and have my bachelor's degree from India in IT. I love working for the program and I've learned and grown so much since.
	Larisa Radman Education Administration Coordinator, Year 2 - Clinical About me: I've been at Mayo since 1996 and just celebrated my 26th anniversary. I've worked in multiple departments in different roles and enjoyed all of them. My latest adventure is being an Education Administration Coordinator for the Physician Assistant Program since the end of May 2022. I enjoy learning about it and working with students and staff. I'm originally from Bosnia, and Rochester has become my home away from home.
	Melody Ouk, MEd Operations Specialist About me: I have experience working in K-12 and higher education. I have my B.S. in Neuroscience and my M.Ed. in Science Education. I began working with the Physician Assistant Program in January 2022, and I assist with their course and program evaluations. I am a Rochester, Minnesota, native, and enjoy weekends at home with my husband and cat Zooey.