Heather Lunning PA-C
North Oaks
Summary
Personable and compassionate NCCPA-certified Physician Assistant, licensed in Minnesota, with three decades of diverse experience delivering exceptional patient care. Committed to optimizing health and wellness by providing valuable insights that empower patients to achieve their health goals. Highly skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to address patient needs and enhance overall care quality. Eager to contribute expertise within a dynamic healthcare system that prioritizes patient-oriented services.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Surgical Gynecology Physician Assistant
Oakdale OBGYN - Premier Women's Health of Minnesota
Maple Grove, MN
01.2022 - Current
- Collaborated in surgical settings as first assistant for various gynecological procedures, emphasizing proficiency in da Vinci robotic laparoscopic and bladder sling procedures.
- Assisted with new consultations and supported management of inpatients by coordinating orders and progress notes. Facilitated ordering and interpretation of imaging and laboratory studies for patient care.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure effective inpatient discharge planning and comprehensive outpatient care strategies.
- Managed comprehensive clinical duties, including conducting annual exams and interpreting laboratory and imaging results while providing essential patient education.
- Partnered with obstetricians to oversee prenatal and postpartum care in alignment with ACOG guidelines.
- Assessed and treated urgent gynecologic cases, prioritizing patient care and timely interventions.
- Completed endometrial biopsies and colposcopy examinations, contributing to patient care and diagnostics. Performed placement and removal of IUD and Nexplanon contraceptive devices, enhancing contraceptive options for patients.
- Performed in-depth assessments of patients and developed specialized treatment plans targeting pelvic pain, perimenopause and menopause.
- Conducted comprehensive pelvic pain assessments and guided decision-making for surgical procedures and patient care to enhance treatment efficacy.
- Executed pre-operative and post-operative patient assessments to ensure optimal care.
- Mentor junior physician assistants, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
Surgical Gynecology Oncology Physician Assistant
Minnesota Oncology
St. Paul, MN
10.2018 - 12.2021
- Collaborated in surgical teams to perform first assist roles in Da Vinci robotic procedures and exploratory laparotomies, ensuring precision in cancer staging and tumor debulking.
- Performed thorough assessments during daily rounds, including patient admissions, consultations, and interpretation of diagnostic results.
- Directed discharge planning initiatives and created therapeutic summaries for continued cancer treatment. Fostered collaboration with physicians and allied health professionals to enhance inpatient care coordination.
- Formulated and implemented comprehensive treatment strategies to enhance patient care in clinical and hospital settings.
- Led efforts in collecting detailed health histories and performing patient assessments. Oversaw management of symptoms and coordinated follow-up care. Developed educational resources for patients on managing chemotherapy side effects.
- Developed and implemented strategies for the care plan team to effectively support patients and families while addressing comprehensive wellness and resource needs.
- Implemented evidence-based research methodologies to enhance clinical practice standards.
- Conducted coloposcopy exams with biopsy with interpretation of pathology results for ongoing treatment planning.
- Oversaw administration of chemotherapy and other medications, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
- Conducted patient assessments and developed individualized treatment plans in collaboration with oncologists.
Physician Assistant Family Medicine/Obstetrics/Physician Assistant, Urgent Care
Fairview Health Services
Princeton, MN
04.2000 - 10.2018
- Performed comprehensive family medicine services including obstetrics, focusing on quality led initiatives.
- Facilitated discharge planning for obstetrical and pediatric patients to optimize care transitions and enhance patient outcomes.
- Led efforts to meet and exceed quality targets in chronic disease management. Championed strategies to elevate patient satisfaction levels.
- Delivered comprehensive education to patients and families regarding overall wellness, preventive health measures, and recognition of warning signs for acute and chronic illnesses.
- Evaluated treatment outcomes for patients and families, refining care plans to enhance comprehensive patient care.
- Conducted diagnostic testing and interpretation to support both routine and urgent patient needs.
- Collaborated with healthcare team members to deliver consultations and facilitate referrals for specialized medical services.
- Performed thorough physical assessments and compiled patient medical information to facilitate prompt and effective office visits.
- Collaborated with quality team to implement Minnesota core measures, focusing on provider education to optimize patient care.
- Procedures including IUD placement/removal, endometrial biopsies, and colposcopy with cervical biopsies.
- Collaborated with surgical teams as first assistant in caesarean sections and urologic laparotomies.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations, diagnoses, and treatment plans within a full-scope walk-in urgent care center.
- Delivered targeted educational sessions to enhance patient understanding of vaccination protocols, health maintenance strategies, and chronic disease management.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN
11.1999 - 04.2000
- Conducted thorough review of medical records, initial patient assessments and performed detailed physical examinations.
- Managed the complete process of ordering, conducting, and interpreting diagnostic tests to support clinical decision-making.
- Performed hysterosalpingogram procedures to assess female reproductive health.
- Facilitated IVF procedures to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes.
- Conducted hospital rounds to oversee treatment plans and facilitate discharge processes.
- Coordinated patient triage and management strategies for individuals experiencing infertility challenges.
- Coordinated efforts with various healthcare disciplines to enhance the effectiveness of patient care management.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT URGENT CARE
Albert Lea Medical Center/Mayo Health System
Albert Lea, MN
06.1996 - 11.1999
- Spearheaded development of same-day acute care clinic to enhance patient access to timely medical services.
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments and physical examinations to determine diagnoses and formulate treatment plans.
- Conducted comprehensive ordering and interpretation of diagnostic tests, enhancing clinical decision-making processes.
- Led transformation of acute care clinic to enhance accessibility as a hospital-based urgent care facility.
- Coordinated efforts with emergency department personnel to maintain excellence in patient care delivery.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Physician Assistant
Des Moines University - Osteopathic Medical Center
Des Moines, IA06-1996
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
St. Olaf College
Northfield, MN05-1991
Skills
- Diagnosis and care coordination in diverse settings
- Proficient in interpreting diagnostic tests
- Education of patients and families in an ethical, compassionate, informative manner
- Exceptional communication skills
- Effective multitasking with strong organizational skills
- Effective collaboration between multidisciplinary teams
- Ability to thrive in a team environment
- Effective patient rapport building
- Commitment to skill development
- Integration of continuing education into practice
- Surgical assisting including laparotomies, daVinci robotic, laparoscopic, vaginal and bladder sling procedures
- Adept in endometrial biopsy and colposcopy
- Proficient in IUD and Nexplanon insertion and removal
- Skilled in managing fast-paced healthcare environments
- Excellence in patient satisfaction
Certification
- NCCPA certified
- MN licensure
- DEA registered
- AAPA member
- ASCCP Colposcopy training
Timeline
Surgical Gynecology Physician Assistant
Oakdale OBGYN - Premier Women's Health of Minnesota
01.2022 - Current
Surgical Gynecology Oncology Physician Assistant
Minnesota Oncology
10.2018 - 12.2021
Physician Assistant Family Medicine/Obstetrics/Physician Assistant, Urgent Care
Fairview Health Services
04.2000 - 10.2018
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
Mayo Clinic
11.1999 - 04.2000
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT URGENT CARE
Albert Lea Medical Center/Mayo Health System
06.1996 - 11.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
St. Olaf College
Bachelor of Science - Physician Assistant
Des Moines University - Osteopathic Medical Center