University of Saint Francis Home

Name: Kelly Biedron

Hometown: Traverse City, MI

Academic Background: B.S. in Molecular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN.

Healthcare Background: I worked as a Nursing Assistant for over a year in the Nursing Resource Team on a variety of units.

Professional Goals: In becoming a Physician Assistant, I strive to be a compassionate and knowledgeable health care provider for my patients and their families. I hope to make a positive impact within the health care system. I am currently interested in Oncology, Internal Medicine and Family Practice. However, I look forward to exploring different specialties during clinical rotations.

Name: Megan Bishop

Hometown: Lindenhurst, IL

Academic Background:  B.S. Audiology & Speech Sciences, Purdue University (2000), M.S. Speech-
Language Pathology, Purdue University (2002)

 Healthcare Background: I’ve worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist in various healthcare settings including a skilled nursing facility, a rehabilitation hospital, and acute care. I also worked for a time as a Veterinary Assistant, an experience that contributed significantly to my clinical knowledge base.

 Professional Goals: I look forward to becoming a competent, compassionate, and trusted resource for both the patients and physicians with whom I interact.  I am particularly interested in preventative medicine but am open to any specialty.

Name: Benjamin Busuito

Hometown: Lake Orion, MI

Academic Background: B.S. in Biology from Oakland University in Rochester, MI

Healthcare Background: I worked as a CNA in a skilled nursing facility; I then worked as a restorative aide for a period of time.  I also volunteered at two Detroit area hospitals.      

Professional Goals: My goal is to become a competent and well respected PA-C.  I hope to provide a high level of care and possess the ability to connect with my patients.  My current interests lie in surgery and cardiology.  I look forward to the experiences I’ll gain during my clinical rotations. 

Name: Emily Cain

Hometown: Crown Point, IN

Academic Background: Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy from Indiana University in 2007; Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Biology from Indiana University in 2011.

Healthcare Background: I have been a Registered Respiratory Therapist for the past 5 years at a Community Hospital where I have worked primarily in intensive and emergency care settings, rotating among four ICU's and the ER.

Professional Goals: I plan to utilize my education to become a competent and compassionate Physician Assistant. My goal is to provide excellent care and positively impact the community. My interests are Pulmonary Medicine and Surgery. I hope to continue to actively participate in educating the public in disease management and prevention and hope to have the opportunity to continue working with volunteer organizations that service the community.

Name: Jordan Hickman

Hometown: Kennewick, Washington

Academic Background: B.S. in Psychology from Brigham Young University, August 2011

Healthcare Background: I worked for one year as a CNA in a nursing home. I also spent time working for a clinical psychologist and I was a mentor at a therapeutic boarding school for at-risk youth. I also served a two-year church mission in Rostov-na-Donu Russia. While on my mission I had many opportunities to help people both physically and spiritually. All of these experiences ultimately lead me to choose a career in medicine.

Professional Goals: I am committed to learning all that I can in PA school so that I can become a competent and compassionate Physician Assistant. I look forward to building strong relationships with future patients, students, and other medical professionals. I also hope that I will have a positive impact on the healthcare system by making medicine available to those who need it most.

Name: Riley Hooks

Hometown: Gilbert, AZ

Academic Background: B.S. in Kinesiology from Arizona State University, 2012

Healthcare Background: During undergrad I worked part-time as a physical therapy tech in outpatient orthopedics and as an ER medical scribe. I volunteered in various settings with the ASU pre-PA club and I also became CNA certified.

Professional Goals: My goals are to become a respected, motivated, and competent PA-C. I strive to improve the lives of my patients and provide quality care. I have interests in emergency medicine, orthopedics, and interventional radiology.

Name:  Erika Hurley

Hometown: Chatfield, MN

Academic Background: Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Saint Mary's University in Winona, MN in 2012.

Healthcare Background: I worked as a Pulmonary Function Technician at the Mayo Clinic. I also did volunteer work as a Physical/Occupational Therapy Aide at a nursing home.

Professional Goals: My goal professionally is to become a well respected certified Physician Assistant by providing exceptional care to others. I hope to be a compassionate and well educated health care professional and I aspire to be a positive addition to a health care team. I look forward to clinical rotations and further education to help in determining an area of focus. 

Name:  William R. Kammel

Hometown: Bloomington, IN

Academic Background: Homeschooled, completed a bachelors with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry from the University of St. Francis

Healthcare Background: Volunteer work at Volunteers in Medicine through the Bloomington Hospital, worked as a CNA for home healthcare and at multiple nursing home facilities, Internship with Reach Healthcare International in Davao, Philippines.

Professional Goals: I do not yet know if I want to specialize (surgery has always interested me). I plan to do 3rd world medicine either full or part time and would like to live in Seattle, WA after I graduate.

Name: John (Todd)  Kuzma

Hometown: La Salle, IL

Academic Background: BS, MA in Communication Studies from Northern Illinois University

Healthcare Background: I have worked full-time as a paramedic in Peoria, IL as well as rural Putnam County, IL.

Professional Goals: I entered EMS to serve others. While there, I developed a love of learning medicine. I hope to continue a lifetime of learning while being able to assist my community as a competent, caring physician assistant. While my background and passion is in emergency medicine, I remain open to challenges in other medical fields.

Name:  Tyler Larson

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

Academic Background: B.S. in History from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

Healthcare Background: I was certified as an EMT-B and worked as an Emergency Room Technician at Lutheran Hospital, starting in January 2011. Prior to that, I used my certification to perform some limited volunteer work for the American Red Cross.

Professional Goals: I aspire to become a knowledgeable, competent, and compassionate Physician Assistant. I have a very strong interest in emergency medicine and orthopaedics, but eagerly await my exposure to all specialties during clinical rotations. I look forward to providing patients the best possible care that a Physician Assistant can offer.

Name:  Kayla Latz

Hometown: Owosso, Michigan

Academic Background: I graduated with a B.S. in Health Fitness with a minor in science from Central Michigan University

Healthcare Background: I worked as a CNA for 2 years at Masonic Pathways in Alma, MI.

Professional Goals: My goal is to develop into a competent, compassionate, and well-respected physician assistant. I have dedicated myself to this profession and look forward to being a positive influence in my patient's lives. I hope to never forget the joy of learning, and to inspire those around me. I am excited for the clinical rotations so that I can explore the different specialties. 

Name: Keith Lowe

Hometown: Delaware, OH

Academic Background: B.S. Medical Science from Ohio State

Healthcare Background: Patient Care Associate at the Ohio State University Medical center from 2005-2012.

Professional Goals: My goal is to show respect and compassion to all of those I take care of, while giving them the best care possible. Also, I wish to share my happiness and love of medicine with my family, friends and peers in thanks for standing beside me along the way. 

Name:  Justin Marzean

Hometown: Alpena, MI

Academic Background: Brain, Behavior & Cognitive Science. B.S. University Of Michigan 2010

Healthcare Background: EMT-B, Home Health Aide, and Pharmacy Technician in Hospital and Retail settings.

Professional Goals: Strong interests in Geriatric Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Emergency Medicine. 

Name: Emily Mazanowski

Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana

Academic Background: Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Genetics at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA

Healthcare Background: While at Drexel University, I worked with a research group investigating the epigenetic involvement of the HAT Tip60 in cognitive decline. I have also worked with adults that have developmental disabilities and mental health issues.

Professional Goals: My goal is to become a knowledgeable and respected PA-C that provides quality care to patients. I am looking forward to gaining knowledge and experience during my clinical rotations which will help me find the area of medicine that best suits me.

Name: Rachel McPherson

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

Academic Background: B.A. from IPFW

Healthcare Background: I worked in the Surgical/Trauma/Neuro ICU for 5 years as a patient care technician.

Professional Goals: My goal is to become a competent, respected, well-rounded PA-C. I hope to show immense compassion and provide high quality care to my patients. I am currently interested in the areas of Cardiovascular Surgery, Plastics, and Dermatology, but I am excited to explore other specialties during clinical rotations.

Name: Kyle Moser

Hometown: Huntertown, IN

Academic Background: I earned by Bachelor's of Science degree in biology from the University of St. Francis.

Healthcare Background: I volunteered at Matthew 25: Health and Dental Clinic as a Spanish interpreter. I did all of my direct patient care as a Nurse's Aide in a nursing home.

Professional Goals: My professional goal is to practice family medicine in an underserved region of Indiana. I hope to go on many medical mission trips to third-world countries once I earn my Master's degree in Physician Assistant Studies. 

Name: Daniel Newbrander

Hometown: Hopkinton, MA

Academic Background: B.S. in Biology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL.

Healthcare Background: Two years as an EMR Operations Assistant, a Medical Assistant, and a Pharmacy Technician at the Lawndale Christian Health Center located on the west side of Chicago.

Professional Goals: My goal is to provide quality and compassionate medical care in an underserved community as a competent and reliable PA. I desire to build strong relationships with patients and empower them to achieve better overall health. I also hope to continually improve my medical knowledge while pursuing life-long learning as a PA. 

Name: Laura Osoba

Hometown: Orland Park, IL

Academic Background: B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

Healthcare Background: Initially, I volunteered in the Emergency Room at multiple hospitals. I subsequently worked as a CNA in an assistive living/nursing home community for 2 years. I also participated in a medical service trip to Africa, where I worked in a children's clinic in rural Uganda assisting the medical team.

Professional Goals: My goal is to become a knowledgeable and compassionate Physician Assistant. I am very excited to explore all options in clinical rotations, especially working with underserved populations in the community and throughout the world. 

Name: Lauren Ottenweller

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

Academic Background: Graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington with a B.S. in Nutrition Science in May 2011.

Healthcare Background: I worked as an Endodontal Assistant at Fort Wayne Endodontics in Fort Wayne, IN from May-September in 2009. After I graduated from Indiana University, I worked as an Emergency Care Center Technician at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN from September 2011-April 2012.

Professional Goals: My professional goal is to become a well-rounded, compassionate and knowledgeable PA-C that provides quality patient care. As to which area of medicine I want to work in, I am keeping an open mind and looking forward to gaining more knowledge about each area during clinical rotations.

Name: Amy Patel

Hometown: Marion, IN

Academic Background: B.S. Finance, Minor in Biology from Indiana University in 2007

Healthcare Background: I was a Physical Therapy Rehab Technician at Illinois Bone and Joint in Chicago

Professional Goals: As a PA-C, I want to be knowledgeable and compassionate in my care. I hope to be a dependable component of the healthcare team as well as a dependable healthcare provider to my patients. I currently have no particular specialties of interest, so I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge to all areas in medicine during clinicals.

Name: Chris Phelps

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH

Academic Background: B.S. in Respiratory Therapy and a minor Life Sciences from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio

Healthcare Background: I worked as a respiratory therapist for the Ohio State Medical Center for three years. During that time, I worked throughout the intensive care units, especially the cardiac unit.

Professional Goals: I want to become a knowledgeable and well-rounded physician assistant. Ultimately, I want to be a positive influence on my patients as well as the profession as a whole. 

Name: Mischa Story

Hometown: Macomb, IL

Academic Background: B.S. in Dietetics and Nutrition, Fitness and Health from Purdue University in West Layette, IN

Healthcare Background: I worked as a registered dietitian in both the clinical and outpatient setting specific to oncology for the past 4.5 years at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. In March 2011, I also became a Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition.

Professional Goals: I aspire to become a proficient and highly trusted PA-C in order to provide exceptional care to help heal those in need. Due to my background experience I am very interested in the field of oncology; however, I am looking forward to exploring other areas of medicine during my clinical rotations. 

Name: Melissa Tran

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

Academic Background: University of Saint Francis May 2011 Bachelors of Biology; Minor Child Welfare and Advocacy

Healthcare Background: Certified Home Health Aid; Matthew 25 Patient Care Volunteer; Dialysis Patient Care Technician

Professional Goals: To complete my education, receive certification, and practice as a competent mid-level practitioner. Professionally I would like to gain experience in the United States in OB-GYN, pediatric and neonatal subspecialties and eventually practice in Haiti for a period of time serving vulnerable populations. 

Name: Mary (Katie) VanderWerp

Hometown: Rockford, Michigan

Academic Background: Graduated from Grand Valley State University with a major in Health Professions and minors in Business and Biology

Healthcare Background: I worked at Metro Health Hospital as a Physical Therapy Technician for 3 years.

Professional Goals: To become a well-rounded and successful Physician Assistant and make a difference in the lives of others. I look forward to my clinical year and hope I can discover the field of medicine that I will specialize in.

Professional Goals: My Goal is to become yet another compassionate member in the healthcare field and to always put the patient first. I want to become highly knowledgeable so I may treat my patients to the best of my ability. I would like to become an emergency PA, orthopedic PA, or a surgical PA.