My areas of expertise I spent over eight years working in Pain Medicine at Mayo Clinic in both the inpatient and outpatient settings managing acute and chronic pain conditions. I developed expertise in neuromodulation, and love to write and teach about this topic to new or practicing APPs as well as students. I now work full time for the Mayo Clinic Physician Assistant Program as Academic Co-Director. I can share my knowledge and expertise on musculoskeletal conditions, physical exam techniques, pain management, etc. with the next generation of PA students. It has been extremely challenging and rewarding!
How I became interested in neuromodulation To better support the implanting Physician colleagues I worked with, I challenged myself to learn as much as possible about the field of neuromodulation. This included the various device options available for patients, the mechanism of action of these treatments, and so on. I had amazing Physician and APP role models and mentors along the way. I have jumped at any opportunity to increase my knowledge base and further develop neuromodulation expertise. The best thing about NANS All the opportunities to become involved. I first took part in the APP preconference course years ago and was very timid given my limited knowledge of neuromodulation. However, as my knowledge base grew, I became more confident. I started presenting poster and oral abstracts at NANS annual meetings and eventually was voted Chair of the NANS APP Subcommittee. I have also served on the NANS Scientific Planning Committee and have spent the past few years assisting in planning the APP track of the annual meeting, including the Thursday APP preconference course as well as concurrent sessions. I have enjoyed networking with amazing physicians and APPs through NANS and have created some amazing relationships.
My favorite books Think Again by Adam Grant, Mindset by Carol Dweck, and GRIT by Angela Duckworth. When I was a growing up I wanted to be An author. While I have not yet published a book, I have started to have some success publishing clinical research on peripheral nerve stimulation. At the end of the day, it is still authorship! Maybe the book will come someday...
