Brittany Bettendorf is a clinical associate professor at the University of Iowa where she is a practicing rheumatologist. Her clinical interests are in reproductive rheumatology and transitioning pediatric patients to adult rheumatology. She received her MD from Medical College of Wisconsin where she also completed her residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics as well as her fellowship in adult rheumatology. She holds an MFA degree in Nonfiction Writing from University of Iowa. Dr. Bettendorf served as a member of the literature review committee and co-author for the 2020 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Reproductive Health Guideline. Dr. Bettendorf teaches a class to first year medical and physician assistant students on social justice and she also teaches an advanced elective to medical students on Opinion Editorial Writing to help students improve the public’s understanding of health and healthcare. She is a faculty member in the Program in Bioethics and Humanities at Carver College of Medicine.

Dr. Yujiang Fang joined DMU in December 2013 and now is a tenured associate professor and academic pathologist. He received his M.D. and Ph.D. in China. Following postdoctoral training in pathology in Paris and postdoctoral training in immunology in University of Missouri, Columbia, he was a research assistant professor at the University of Missouri and adjunct assistant professor at several other universities. Dr. Fang has been an active licensed urologist in China since 1993 and has extensive experiences of diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases. He is now the course director of nephrology urology and andrology and course director for nephrology clerkship at DMU. A member of the editorial boards of several established journals, Dr. Fang has extensive involvement in clinical, teaching and research experiences. He is interested in cancer immunotherapy, the effect of radiosensitizers on cancer and the mechanisms of resolution and fibrosis of inflammation.

Lori Fitton has spent more than 40 years of her orthopaedic nursing career cultivating a vocation for bone health in rural communities. She is on the University of Iowa’s Trauma team, running an orthopaedic based bone health clinic. Fitton completed her PhD at Illinois State University- Mennonite College of Nursing. She serves as a member of the AOA Own the Bone (OTB) education and steering committees and is current co-chair of the AOA OTB annual symposium. She is a board member of the international Fragility Fracture Network- North (FFN-N) and has published several articles pertaining to bone health.

Government Relations Special Counsel and Team Lead

Sydney Gangestad has over a decade of public policy experience. In her various policy roles, she has developed a fundamental understanding of the legislative process and a non-partisan, bipartisan approach to lobbying to help advance clients’ legislative agendas. Before Dentons Davis Brown, she represented the interests of the Iowa judiciary before the legislative and executive branches of the Iowa Judicial Branch. As an experienced lobbyist and grassroots strategist, Sydney offers clients the legal services they need to accomplish their goals.

Shelly Hsiao, PA-C, CAQ-Psych, is a certified Physician Assistant working at Iowa Health Care in Iowa City. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Iowa. She completed her Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Iowa. Shelly has experience treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, OCD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and perinatal mental health. She treats adults, children, and adolescents. She has training in STEPPS (Systems Training for Emotional Predictability and Problem Solving) to treat individuals with emotional intensity disorder. Shelly is originally from California but now lives in Iowa City with her family. Outside of the office, she enjoys gardening, traveling, and playing in the community string orchestra.

Susan Hughes, MS, CGC, is a certified genetic counselor at Children's Mercy Hospital. She recieved her master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. 

Susan is a genetics specialist in Kansas City, Missouri, specializing in osteogenesis imperfecta and craniofacial anomalies. She is affiliated with Children's Mercy (Kansas City and Overland Park, Kansas; Independence and Kansas City, Missouri).

Tuesday Sponsored Breakfast Speaker

Jillian Jones, DPT, CBIS is an assistant professor at Des Moines University in the Department of Physical Therapy. She has been a practicing clinician for 10 years with her clinical focus in neurologic rehabilitation at On With Life in Ankeny, Iowa. She is a part-time PhD student in Physical Therapy studies at Texas Woman’s University. She received her doctoral degree from St. Ambrose University in 2013. Her research interests include assessment and management of autonomic dysfunction in adult concussion and non-invasive brain modulation for gait disorders in Parkinson’s Disease. 

Dr. Quan Kaewpoowat is an infectious disease specialist at the University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC), with a focus on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). With over a decade of experience in the US and internationally, she currently serves as the co-director of the UIHC Virology Clinic and collaborates closely with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, she is committed to enhancing community health through her advocacy for improved STI and HIV screening and treatment.

With a career that has spanned more than 40 years, David’s clinical experience includes pioneering roles as one of the first PAs in an inner city emergency department, to working as a solo primary care provider for an island community on the coast of Maine. 

David completed his PA education at Saint Louis University in 1980, and later completed an MPH, concentrating on International Health, at Boston University.

David’s international journey began in 1994 when he became the first PA to work with Doctors Without Borders, where he served in Somalia (1994-5), and then in Afghanistan (1995-6). He returned to Afghanistan in 2003 with Merlin, a UK -based medical relief charity.

He was honored as the recipient of the AAPA’s Paragon Award for International Humanitarian in 1999.

And in 2023 the Canadian Association of PAs recognized his advocacy work there with appointment to the CAPA Honor Role.

David joined the faculty at University of Birmingham (U.K.) as the Associate Programme Director for the PA program in 2008-11. While there, he consulted on PA development at several other British and Scottish universities. He was also part of a team of experienced academics who consulted on the first PA program in Saudi Arabia. He was the Founding Director for the first Irish PA program at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (2015-6).

Though now retired from clinical practice, he continues to advocate for expanding the PA role in the international arena. He's currently consulting with the government of Nova Scotia  in Canada on the expansion of PAs to their workforce.

Gabe is a licensed and board-certified genetic counselor at University of Iowa Healthcare where he provides clinical care to adult patients and families affected by inherited cardiovascular and neurologic diseases. After graduating from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s Genetic Counseling program in 2017, Gabe spent two years with Sanford Health in Fargo, ND. During his time with Sanford Health, he provided clinical genetic counseling services in a pediatric and general genetics clinic and collaborated with pediatric subspecialists to help launch a multidisciplinary pediatric lipid disorders clinic.

In late 2019, he returned to his home state of Iowa and began his current cardiology/neurology split position at the University of Iowa. As part of his current role, Gabe is particularly interested in collaborating with other healthcare providers and stakeholders within the state of Iowa and beyond to help address the unmet care needs of patients and families affected with inherited dyslipidemias. 

My name is Morgan McGinn. I grew up in the midwest, mainly Iowa. I attended Iowa State University where I studied Kinesiology & Nutrition. I went on to attend PA school at Des Moines University. From there, I practiced family medicine in Colorado. After about a year, I landed in the specialty I always wanted which brought us back to Des Moines where I started practicing dermatology. After about 3 years of this, I left for a derm pharma-type position. I decided that I missed practice and dermatology too much, and now am back practicing dermatology at The Iowa Clinic. I live in Waukee, IA with my husband and two children; Lennon (1 year old) & Hudson (3 years old). We keep very busy with family, outside time and traveling. 

Govenment Relations Special Counsel

Logan brings nearly a decade of government relations experience building and maintaining bi-partisan relationships at all levels of government to the team. Previously he served as a multi-client lobbyist and attorney at a regional law firm where he represented trade associations, non-profit organizations, municipal governments, law enforcement, a casino, and national corporations. After graduating from Drake University Law School, Logan joined the Iowa House Republican Caucus as a Legislative Analyst and Policy Advisor. There, he drafted and analyzed proposed legislation for state and local government and labor committees, and he served as the primary staffer for the Transportation Budget and the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund. Through his previous roles, Logan developed a reputation as a trusted resource for clients, policymakers, and legislators.

Professor of Pediatrics

University of Minnesota, MN

Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Neuro-Oncology

Christopher Moertel is the Medical Director of the Katie Hageboeck Children's Cancer Research Fund Clinic and leads the Pediatric Brain Tumor Program and the Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic. Dr. Moertel's research interests include treatment of Neurofibromatosis-associated neoplasia, targeted therapy of pediatric brain tumors and immunotherapy of high grade glioma. He has sponsored at least 5 INDs and has conducted mulitple investigator-iniated clinical trials. Dr. Moertel also leads the pediatric neuro-oncology fellowship with the goal of educating future translational experts in neurofibromatosis and/or pediatric brain tumors. 

Monday Morning Sponsored Breakfast Speaker

Director At-Large

Dr. Ashton Craig Ogle, PA-C serves as Director-at-Large on the AAPA Board of Directors. Prior to joining the Board, Ogle served on the AAPA Student Board of Directors as the Northeast Regional Director and worked closely with the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates (ConnAPA) as a student representative. 

Most recently, Dr. Ogle served as Director-at-Large for ConnAPA where she co-chaired the Conference and Education Committee and the Student Engagement Committee from 2021-2023. She also participated in an ad hoc group that facilitated title change for the organization.

Ogle began her PA career as an emergency medicine PA in Waterbury, Connecticut working for Trinity Health of New England. She also worked part-time in plastic surgery and was an adjunct instructor at her PA alma mater teaching Patient Assessment and Clinical Skills and Procedures. Recently, Ogle moved to Kentucky to be closer to family and now works for the University of Kentucky in the Chandler Emergency Department, primarily in pediatric emergency medicine.

Ogle received her undergraduate degree from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky and attended PA school at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut where she received the Excellence in Leadership Award, and was inducted into the Pi Alpha Honor Society. She received her Master of Physician Assistant Studies in 2020 and completed her doctoral degree at the University of the Pacific in Sacramento, CA.

Dr. Ogle’s passions include investing in the next generation of PAs by promoting PA student engagement and leadership, advocating for the profession, participating in medical missions, and advocating for equal and equitable access to healthcare for all patients. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, traveling, working out, boating, and running.

Dr. Robinson is an Assistant Professor of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the University of Iowa. She completed her MD/PhD at the University of Wisconsin in 2016. Her PhD work in the History of Medicine examined the history of the Fat Acceptance Movement and examined the consequences of medicalizing obesity. She completed her Internal Medicine training and Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Iowa. To further her knowledge of obesity from a multi-faceted perspective, she completed Endocrinology Fellowship at the University of Iowa and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Her research examines the characteristics and prevalence weight stigma in healthcare, as well as measures for reducing weight stigma in healthcare. She provides clinical care to patients with obesity, diabetes, and other endocrine conditions. 

Justin is uniquely equipped to serve people at Core Physical Therapy since 2014. His philosophy of care is rooted in a holistic approach that includes mind, body, and spirit.  He is continuously expanding his knowledge and understanding to better serve people with the goal of creating health and well-being in their life.  Justin is committed to working with people who have tried traditional methods of medicine and didn’t get the results they wanted, are looking for an alternative treatment approach, or are stuck and need help to get to their desired health and wellness destination.

Outside of Core Physical Therapy, Justin enjoys being with his three children and encouraging them in every aspect of their life.  Justin pursues opening his horizons with new activities and experiences that are outdoors, being at sporting events, traveling, and being with people.

Clincial Associate Professor

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

I am a Thoracic surgeon by training at the University of Iowa. As part of my

clinical practice, I perform the gamut of adult cardiac surgery with a focus on Coronary Artery Bypass grafting, Thoracic Transplantation and Aortic Surgery.

After 7 years in private practice, I have returned to academic medicine. In private practice, where the focus is on clinical medicine, the importance of surgical quality is becoming front and center of every practice. My mid-career to end of career goals are to better understand the drivers of quality. 

Currently,my goal is to develop clinical research that can be directly measured in terms of patient outcomes as defined by the STS Adult Cardiac Database.

Emily Summerfield earned a master’s in occupational therapy from the College of Saint Mary in 2015. Emily has worked across the continuum in neurorehabilitation, including acute, post-acute, outpatient, and community-based, treating individuals with neurologic conditions such as acquired brain injury, spinal cord injury, and neuro-degenerative diagnoses.  Emily is passionate about interprofessional education and collaboration to instill provider confidence in providing client-centered care to individuals with various needs and conditions.  

Emily joined Des Moines University’s Occupational Therapy Program in 2023 as an instructor. She brings a wealth of clinical experience to her academic role, emphasizing neurorehabilitation and neuroscience. At DMU, Emily is the primary course instructor for the functional neuroscience, neurorehabilitation, and assistive technology courses. She is active in professional organizations, including the Iowa Occupational Therapy Association. 

Ellie Spilman is an Adult Wound and Ostomy Nurse Clinician with UI Health Care. In addition to her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, she holds a full-scope certification in wound, ostomy, and continence care. She is also an active member of their professional organization, the Wound Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. Ellie began her nursing career in 2016 working at UI Health Care as an inpatient staff nurse. After her WOCN certification in 2018, she entered the wound and ostomy nursing specialty at the Iowa City VA Hospital before soon returning to UI Health Care in her current position. Ellie has presented to several multidisciplinary audiences and sits on multiple shared governance committees. She has been interested in wound care since nursing school and loves her specialty. Outside of her work, Ellie also enjoys audiobooks, embroidery, and spending time with her family. 

Shawna Swain earned a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies from the University of Iowa in 2010. Shawna worked in various clinical settings, including orthopedics and neurorehabilitation as a primary care provider. Shawna's diverse background includes specializations in orthopedics, neurorehabilitation, and general medicine. Shawna is passionate about interprofessional education and continues to facilitate collaborative learning experiences in the Des Moines area. 

Shawna joined Des Moines University’s Physician Assistant Program in 2023 as an Assistant Professor. With over 14 years of experience as a practicing PA, she brings a wealth of clinical expertise to her academic role. At DMU, she coordinates multiple courses and teaches a wide range of clinical topics, emphasizing hands-on skills and case-based learning. She holds a and maintains active involvement in professional organizations, including the AAPA and Iowa Physician Assistant Society.

Shawna joined Des Moines University’s Physician Assistant Program in 2023 as an Assistant Professor. With over 14 years of experience as a practicing PA, she brings a wealth of clinical expertise to her academic role. At DMU, she coordinates multiple courses and teaches a wide range of clinical topics, emphasizing hands-on skills and case-based learning. She holds a and maintains active involvement in professional organizations, including the AAPA and Iowa Physician Assistant Society.

visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.

Britta Ten Haken earned her Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Des Moines University in 2019. She has been at Mission Cancer + Blood, a community oncology/hematology practice that serves the Des Moines metro and much of central Iowa since graduation. She has enjoyed precepting students from as well as guest-lecturing at DMU since 2020. Britta is passionate about empowering patients and students through education and goofy analogies. 

Specialty: Neurology

Graduate School: Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois

Board Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Chad Quist, PA-C, is a highly skilled and certified Physician Assistant specializing in neurology. With a strong clinical background and a commitment to patient care, Chad is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of neurological conditions. He is known for his compassionate approach and ability to clearly communicate complex medical information to patients and their families, ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their treatment journey.

Chad earned his PA degree from Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he developed a deep understanding of neurological disorders and the latest advancements in treatment. His certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) reflects his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of medical excellence.

Throughout his career, Chad has worked collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care, and he remains passionate about improving the quality of life for his patients through effective management and innovative solutions.

Monday Sponsored Lunch Speaker

Dr. Vollstedt completed her Urology residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and then her Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Urology fellowship at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. She is now a clinical assistant professor at University of Iowa Heath Care in the Department of Urology, where she also serves as the Urology Medical Student Clerkship Director. 

David Asprey serves as Associate Dean for Medical Education and Professional Programs in the Carver College of Medicine. He is Professor and Chair of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies and Services and the Denis R. Oliver Endowed Chair. He holds secondary appointments in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitative Sciences. His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa Physician Assistant Program, a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design and Technology and a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Iowa. 

He has served on the national board of the Physician Assistant Education Association including a term as President and was appointed to the Federal Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry where he served as the Vice Chair. He served as a member of the Institute of Medicine’s Committee on Governance and Financing of Graduate Medical Education. He was recently appointed to serve as the Chair of the Doctoral Education Commission by the Physician Assistant Education Association.

Clinical Professor, Department of PA Studies and Services

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of PA Studies and Services

Jeremy Nelson, DMSc, MPAS, PA-C, is a dedicated primary faculty member at the University of Iowa PA Program and an active clinician in the Emergency Department. With 15 years of experience in acute care, Jeremy has worked in diverse settings, including urban, academic, and rural emergency departments. His professional journey has been marked by active involvement in IPAS and AAPA since his PA school days, and he has been a committed member of PAEA since becoming an educator. Prior to his faculty appointment, he was involved in the education of PAs and medical students for over a decade, precepting, giving skills workshops, and facilitating small groups at the College of Medicine.

Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, Jeremy spent eight years in Colorado for his undergraduate education before moving to Iowa in 2007 for PA school. Now, he proudly considers himself and his family Iowans. Outside of his professional life, Jeremy enjoys traveling the globe, immersing himself in different cultures, teaching yoga, and spending quality time with his family. His professional passions include emergency medicine, particularly in rural areas, and advocating for greater healthcare access via the PA profession. As an educator, he is deeply invested in doctoral education for PAs and in nurturing future leaders in the profession.

• Graduated the University of Iowa PA Program 2016.
• Completed the University of Iowa Emergency Medicine PA Residency Program 2018.
• Practicing Emergency Medicine with ECIAC in Cedar Rapids and Rural EM in Independence since 2018.

Nathaniel Shekem is a Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Iowa. He has held the role of Program Director for the University of Iowa PA Emergency Medicine Residency since 2021. Nathaniel completed PA school at the University of Iowa and completed the Emergency Medicine postgraduate training program at the University of Iowa. 

In addition to these roles, he sits on the Board of Directors as the Vice President for the Society of Emergency Medicine PAs (SEMPA) and is the Chair for the SEMPA Postgraduate Education Committee. 

He currently works both at a level 1 academic tertiary care center at UI Health Care Medical Center as well as at a solo coverage critical access hospital in Washington, Iowa. Professional interests include medical education, medical simulation, and quality improvement. 

Leslie Veit is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at University of Iowa Healthcare where is the Program Director for the Advanced Practice Provider Residency. In her clinical work she serves as a preceptor to PA students and is a prior recipient of the “Preceptor of the Year” award from the University of Iowa PA program. Additionally, she is a member of Pi Alpha, the national PA honor society. She is a graduate of the University of Iowa PA Program where she still has strong bonds, assisting with interviews and alumni panels.