CERTIFICATIONS & EDUCATION
Clinical Focus
General orthopedics and foot & ankle
Certifications and Licensures
Washington State Physician Assistant LicenseAmerican Heart Association ACLS Healthcare Provider Certification
Washington State EMT certification
American Society of Clinical Pathologists Certification
NCCPA Physician Assistant Board CertificationEducation
MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program, University of Washington School of Medicine
Bachelor of Science, Zoology, University of Washington
Professional Associations
Washington Academy of Physician Assistants
American Academy of Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery
Washington State Orthopedic Association
Hospital Affiliation
Valley Medical Center
About Van
As an ultramarathon endurance athlete, I know how important it is to stay healthy and active so that one can enjoy one's passions in life. My passions are spending time with my husband, my dog, and running. My husband and I like to go on hikes with our dog and I like to run ultramarathon races (any race longer than a 26.2 mile marathon) throughout the year, including 100-200 mile endurance races several times a year.
I graduated from the University of Washington MEDEX Physician Assistant program in 2001 before I became board certified and worked 7 years in Rheumatology treating autoimmune disorders that caused inflammation in the joints.Management was directed towards medications and injections. When I switched to Orthopedics, I continued to treat joint pain but sometimes, patients needed surgery. I have really enjoyed working on the other side of medicine in resolving problems rather than just managing them. Working mainly with a foot and ankle surgeon, I see a lot of ankle sprains, ankle fractures, Achilles injuries, and simply overuse injuries. It feels rewarding getting patients back on their feet.