Kristen Metcalf (Berry), PA-C

What is your practice philosophy? I enjoy getting to know my patients and collaborating with them to create personalized health goals and treatment plans. I ultimately want to make their diagnoses and the potential barriers that they may face more understandable and less overwhelming. I believe this ultimately empowers my patients to take ownership of their health and make lasting health changes. 

If I wasn’t a provider, I would be a: A bakery/coffee shop owner. I love baking and trying new bakeries/coffee shops in my free time.

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? Being a Physician Assistant allows me to combine my interests in medicine, education, and evidence-based research to help others improve their health. I have wanted to work in medicine since I was  in elementary school. 

Something I have learned from my patients is: Listening is an essential part of any patient interaction. Every patient’s experience is unique, so it is important to take the time to listen so that together we can create an effective plan of action for their health. 

My personal health goal is: To do something active every day, whether that be taking my dog for a long walk, going for a run around a local lake, or playing a game of pick-up soccer. 

What are you most proud of? Graduating from Physician Assistant school and passing my board exam.  

What are a few of your personal achievements? Playing varsity soccer at Hamline University for four years. Teaching middle school science in the Twin Cities prior to my career as a PA.