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Whitson, Heather, PA-C
Family Practice
Biography
Contact Info:
Office: 208-756-6212
Facility:
Steele Memorial Clinic
805 Main Street
Salmon, ID 83467
Education:
Undergraduate Degree:
Bachelor of Science Health Promotion, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
Bachelor of Science Health Science, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
Graduate Degree:
Master’s of Physician Assistant Studies, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho
Biography:
One could say that Heather Whitson understands the medical needs of this community, since she was born at Steele Memorial (the old hospital), and lived her childhood tromping around the mountains near town. She grew up with a family of outdoor enthusiasts with her parents, Steve and Cindy Frazee, and older brother, Chris, who instilled in her a love of the outdoors. She enjoyed a large extended family with her grandparents living just across the street, as well as numerous relatives in town. Her father is a civil engineer (retired) and although his job necessitated moving the family throughout Idaho and Montana when Heather was a child, Salmon always remained home to her.
Heather graduated from Salmon High School and attended Boise State University in Boise, Idaho. She earned Bachelor of Science Degrees in both Health Promotion and Health Science from Boise State. Heather completed her studies at Boise State University in 2008, receiving Highest Honors designation on the Dean’s List.
Did you know… Boise was named by French Canadian trappers in the early 1800’s? After traveling many miles through arid, high desert terrain, they came upon the Boise Valley and exclaimed, "Les Bois!, Les Bois” translated as "The trees, the trees!"
Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine were Heather’s first passions, but after completing a Health Department Internship, she realized that her true calling was in Medicine. In 2008, Heather was accepted into the highly competitive Physician Assistant program at Idaho State University in Pocatello (ISU), Idaho. She specialized in trauma and emergency medicine while earning a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree. Heather has always felt compelled to provide healthcare to underserved communities, and while at ISU she participated in a medical humanitarian mission to Peru as part of the Idaho Condor project, which provided preventative and emergent care in remote villages. While in Peru, she assisted in the education of local Peruvian doctors on preventative medicine and gained valuable experience conversing in medical Spanish.
Heather began practicing at Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC) in 2013. Prior to this she practiced at a small family practice clinic in Boise, ID. Heather states, “I enjoy my practice as a Physician Assistant because of the day to day challenges, I am constantly thinking and working through problems. The patient will come in with what you think is a straightforward problem but when you actually get into it, it’s actually much more complex. Every patient is unique; you never know what you are going to walk into.”
“You really have to be dynamic. I get to practice autonomously and independently but I get to work closely with a physician to provide excellent patient care.” Heather feels grateful to be able to provide medical care to people in this community, and she is passionate about providing the best possible care, regardless of the limitations of practicing in a small, remote medical clinic. When asked why Heather has chosen to practice at SMMC she states, “I want to work in the community I grew up in; it’s nice to know that you’re taking care of people that at some point probably took care of you.” Salmon offers the lifestyle that she enjoys with the numerous outdoor opportunities, and the relaxed, less hectic pace of life. Heather enjoys working at SMMC because of the people and her coworkers. She states, “Each of us chose to practice in Salmon, not because we have to, but because we want to.”
In addition to maintaining her current Physician Assistant licensure requirements, Heather holds Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support certifications, is a Sexual Assault Examiner and is Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) certified, taught by no other than Adam Deutchman, MD, FACS.
Outside of work, Heather continues to enjoy the Salmon area with her husband Mike and her three year old son, Reid. Heather and Mike are expecting a brand new daughter in February. The family enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and rafting. These activities help keep her grounded in a highly demanding profession. One piece of trivia most people don’t know about Heather is that she was a pole-vaulter and still misses it from her high school days.
Heather’s message to the community is: “Take ownership of your health! Annual wellness checks are important.”
More/Other Information:
Heather Whitson, PA- C has been with Steele Memorial Medical Center since 2013.
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