Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants

Academy Board of Directors 2007-2008

>President
>President-Elect
>Immediate Past President
>Secretary
>Treasurer
>Director-at-Large | Director-at-Large | Director-at-Large
>Executive Vice President
>2007 Chief Delegate
>Continuing Medical Education
>Standing Rules and Policies
>Executive
>Legislative and Governmental Affairs
>Legislative Liason
>Public Relations
>the Spectator Editor
>Website Editor
>Third Party Reimbursement
>Membership
>Foundation President

PRESIDENT

Delegate 2007
Dave Wilson, PA-C

I am a 1994 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Madison Physician Assistant program. I am currently employed by Dean Medical Center in Madison, working as an Orthopedic Surgery PA with an emphasis on spine surgery. I have over 20 years of health care experience, having worked as a Registered Nurse prior to becoming a PA.

I am married with two children in college. I enjoy playing tennis in a USTA league as well as playing golf whenever I can. My wife and I enjoy traveling.

I have served WAPA as the CME Chairperson, Director-at-Large, and Delegate to the AAPA. I am please to serve as your President-Elect and look forward to the next several years.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT (2006-2007)
Executive
Mark F. McKinnon, PA-C

Prior WAPA involvement:
Voting Member WAPA Foundation

Education:
MS - Physician Assistant, George Washington University, Washington, DC
BS – Clinical Leadership and Management, George Washington University, Washington, DC
AAS – Emergency Medicine, Coastal Carolina Community College, Jacksonville, NC

Place of employment:
United States Public Health Service, Federal Correctional Institute, Oxford, WI

Clinical interests:
Primary Care, Emergency Care, Hepatitis C Treatment, Tactical Medicine

Hobbies:
Gardening, Kayaking, Running

Family:
Married with 4 children

Other interesting things to know about you:
Knights of Columbus member, Member of Elks

SECRETARY
Sue Stolz, PA-C

Prior WAPA involvement:
WAPA Student representative from UW-Madison 2001-2002

Education:
BS Med Tech/Microbiology, UW Madison 1984; MS Bacteriology, UW-Madison 1990; BS Physician Assistant UW-Madison 2002

Place of employment:
Oncology Alliance, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Clinical interests:
Hematology, oncology, palliative care

Hobbies:
Golfing, biking, sailing, reading, traveling

Family:
Jack Russell Terrier named Ashley

TREASURER
Foundation President
Jeff Nicholson, M.Ed., MPAS, PA-C

Jeff graduated from the UW-Madison PA Program in 1992. Prior to this he completed a BS at Boston College and a Masters in Education Administration at Harvard University. He has previously served WAPA as student representative, Director at Large, and President. He joined the UW Madison PA program as Director of Clinical Education in 1996 and became Program Director in 2001. He is well versed in physician assistant workforce issues and co-authored with Lou Falligant an Employment Guide on PA practice in Wisconsin. As Clinical Director, he developed a network of more than 150 student clinical training sites, including the institution of the program’s first international preceptorship in Belize. He has been active on professional committees locally and nationally. He remains clinically active in Emergency Medicine at various hospitals in southern Wisconsin and is completing a doctorate in education administration at UW-Madison. He looks forward to leading the PA program to a Master’s level degree, expanding access to the profession through the program’s distance education project, and to help extend the Academy’s increasing professional role and influence among Wisconsin’s health organizations.

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
Norine Friell, PA-C

My medical career began 24 years ago, when I joined the USAF and became a medic. Over the next fourteen years I worked as an EMT and then later as a paramedic.

I was hungry for more medical knowledge and responsibility so I returned to college to become an RN. During a break from class I noticed a display about PA's, and felt that I had finally found what I was meant to do. My dream was put briefly on hold though when I was activated for Desert Storm. When I returned, I was accepted into the University of Wisconsin-Madison PA Program, and I graduated in 1994. I am now enrolled at Oregon Health and Science Universities online MPAS program.

I currently work for the UW-La Crosse PA Program as a lecturer, and I also work in Urgent care. Prior to working at the University, I spent eight years in Family Practice in Tomah, Wisconsin. About once a month I also volunteer at the St. Claire Health mission clinic which provides free medical services to those without insurance.

In addition to being the treasurer, I am also on the CME committee, and was the geographic co-chair for the Fall 2002 conference.

I am married and I have three beautiful children ranging in ages from 20 months to 21 years old.

The availability of quality health care for all people is a real concern for me. The health care industry will not be able to continue at its current pace. We must work together to find realistic solutions to the growing health care crisis.

clark collins DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
Clark Collins, PA-C, MPAS

Prior WAPA involvement: Fellow member, speaker at WAPA conference

Education: BA- Augustana College Rock Island, IL 1993 Pre-med and Biology
BS- University of Wisconsin-Madison 1998 Physician Assistant
MPAS- University of Nebraska 2002 Physician Assistant Studies

Employment: Orthopedic Surgery- Dean Health System Madison, WI

Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine

Hobbies: Music, Running, XC skiing
Family: Married with three children

Other: Lecturer for the UW-Madison PA program on orthopedic topics

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Third Party Reimbursement
Lou Falligant, PA-C

Lou was one of the founding fellow members of WAPA in 1976. He is employed as the Director of Midlevel Providers for Dean Medical Center, a large multi-specialty clinic with its own affiliated HMO located in Madison, WI. Lou received his B.S. Degree from University of Wisconsin- Madison, and his PA degree from Yale University School of Medicine in 1975. Lou has 28 years of clinical experience in Family Practice, Urgent Care, and Cardiology. He has been employed at Dean Medical Center since 1993, where he is administratively responsible for approximately 200 physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists. Lou currently serves as the Executive Vice President for the Wisconsin Academy of Physician Assistants. He is a registered lobbyist for WAPA, and serves on the Legislative and Governmental Affairs Committee as well as the Professional Practice Committee. He is a co-author of the Employment Guide for Physician Assistants in Wisconsin, and has been involved with numerous AAPA committees on third party coverage for PA services. Lou served as the WAPA President in 1980, and again in 1995. He has held many other Board and committee positions over the years.

2007 Chief Delegate
Professional Practice
Anne Hletko, PA-C

The journey to this part of my life has been a wonderful ride. I was born and raised in Eagle River, Wisconsin. It was great to grow up in what many people consider vacationland. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and worked for several years as a Research Technologist at the Blood Center of Southeastern Wisconsin.

In 1996, I entered the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse / Gundersen / Mayo Clinic PA program. Shortly after graduation, I joined the PA profession with the Wisconsin Cardiovascular Group in Milwaukee. My husband, three cats and I now make our home in Appleton where I practice as part of Appleton Cardiology Associates.

My hobbies include cooking, gardening, and brewing beer. We do a fair amount of camping, hiking and biking as well. My family and I "get away" to our lake cottage in Eagle River - no TV, no computer - only decision is boat ride or swim.

My involvement in WAPA started during my PA education. I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with WAPA as Chair of the Professional Practice Committee and Chief Delegate to the AAPA House of Delegates. It was my great honor to serve as WAPA President from 2003-2004.

Scott Gooch, CME Chair CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION
Scott Gooch, PA-C

Prior WAPA Involvement:
Member CME & Professional Practice Committees, guest writer for The Spectator

Education:
BSM- Physician Assistant, Western Michigan University, 1999

Employment:
Chippewa Valley Emergency Care, Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire, WI &
Riverview Hospital Association, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Clinical Interests:
Emergency & Urgent Care Medicine

Hobbies:
Cooking, painting, & photography

Family:
Jennifer, my wife
Jeff, my step-son
Sam the dog
and the cats, Nemo & Bucky.

Standing Rules and Policies
Delegate 2007
Michael Conard, MPAS, PA-C

Education:
BS Vocational Agriculture Education 1979 (UW-River Falls);
BS Physician Assistant 1991 (UW-Madison); MPAS University of Nebraska 2000

Employment:
Current Position- Family Medicine PA
Bellin Medical Group, Bellin
Health Family Medical Center- Bonduel
2000-present

Previous- Emergency Medicine PA,St. Vincent & St.
Mary's Hospitals, Green Bay
Emergency Physicians Ltd.
1993-2000

Emergency Medicine PA
Kewaune St. Mary's Memorial Hospital
1991-1993

WAPA positions:
Director-at-large
President
Constitution & Bylaws Chair (current)
CME Chair (current)
AAPA House Delegate 1999-2004
AAPA House of Delegate Reference Committee member 2003

Accomplishments/Awards:
WAPA PA of the Year 2003

PA or health-care issues important to you:
My great interest in the profession lies in leadership and policy-making issues. Health care issues that are really important to me are diabetes and dyslipidemia management.

Why and how you became a PA:
I first became familiar with the profession when I was a medic in the Army and Army National Guard. I was encouraged to become a PA by one of the PAs I worked with.

Hobbies:
Historical re-enactment (18th Century French & Indian War), beer brewing & wine making, golf, deer hunting, occassionally fishing.

coming soon LEGISLATIVE & GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
Clark Collins, PA-C, MPAS

Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine

Hobbies: Music, Running, XC skiing

Family: Married with three children

Other: Lecturer for the UW-Madison PA program on orthopedic topics

coming soon LEGISLATIVE LIASON
Dick Faust, PA-C

Current and Prior WAPA Involvement: LGA Chair, WAPA Foundation Treasurer, WAPA Lobbyist, President, Director at Large, PA of the Year - 1997

Prior AAPA Involvement: Director at Large (2 terms), Nominating Committee (3 terms)

Employment: Family Practice, Urgent Care, and Correctional Health Care
Mile Bluff Medical Center, Mauston, Wisconsin

Education: BS, Physician Assistant Program, University of Iowa, 1980
BS, Biology and Chemistry, Upper Iowa University, 1978

When I graduated from my PA Program, I went into a practice in which I was mentored by several outstanding PAs. That situation and the success of our profession has enabled me to accomplish things that my mother never thought likely. I have always felt an obligation to attempt to do as much for my profession as it has done for me.

That attitude and the support of my family and my employers has enabled me to be involved in the PA profession at all levels and introduced me to a multitude of individuals who have enriched my life.

I live in the City of Mauston with my wife, Dinah, an elementary school teacher. We have three children,. Zach, age 24, is an HVAC Technician in Lake Delton. Alex, age 20, is a junior at the University of Minnesota and an aspiring rock 'n roll star. Abby, age 17, will be a senior in high school this fall.

Current enjoyable activities include observing my children’s success in their endeavors, involvement in city government, and bad golf.

coming soon SPECTATOR EDITOR
Lori A. Hubacek, PA-C

Prior WAPA involvement:
UWL La Crosse/Gundersen/Mayo Student Representative, 1998-2000

Education:
BS – Exercise and Sports Science, Athletic Training, UWL 1995
BS – Physician Assistant Studies, UWL 2000

Clinical interests:
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Radiology

Hobbies:
These days I spend a lot of time at the park chasing my kiddos, but if I had it my way, they'd already be swinging golf clubs. I also enjoy road biking, and every once in a while I toss around the thought of training for some small triathlons.

How did I get here:
I spent my first three years after college working as a Certified Athletic Trainer. I loved what I did, but I felt compelled to do more than walk sidelines. I'm not sure if my desire to go to PA school was simply a desire to return to UWL for a few extra years, but for whatever has brought me to this point, I am thankful. Finding the right work-home balance is one of my greatest desires, and as a PA, I am much closer to achieving that even keel for which we all strive.

coming soon WEBSITE EDITOR
Amanda Byom, PA-C

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Minor in Women's Studies from Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI 5/98

Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from University of Wisconsin- La Crosse, 10/00

Employment:
Gastroenterology at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI since 11/00

I have worked in GI since graduating from the UW-L/Gundersen/Mayo PA program in fall, 2000. I work predominately in the clinic, but spend an average of 1 week/month on the hospital service. I do some lecturing for the La Crosse PA program, which I really enjoy.

My husband, Nate, and I have 3 young daughters, Emmarie (4), Ainsley (2) and Ilee (born 8/06), which keep us VERY busy. We also have 2 fat cats and 2 big dogs.

coming soon MEMBERSHIP
Eric Garland, PA-C

Photo to come.

PUBLIC RELATIONS
Kim Shefchik, PA-C

Prior WAPA involvement:
fellow member

Education:
graduate of UW-Madison PA Program

Place of employment:
OBGYN Associates of Green Bay, and part time at Prevea Clinic in Family Practice

Clinical interests:
women's health

Hobbies:
triathlons, playing piano

Family:
Husband Brad

Other interesting things to know about you:
I h ave had a wide variety of "odd jobs" in my pre-PA life,
from being a member of a road-kill crew, to being a
supper club piano player. Neither of which prepared
me for being a PA!