Professional Profile
Healthcare professional with eight years in patient care and education. Scientific research and writing background across undergraduate and graduate training, including defense of Master of Science thesis and poster presentations. Performs high-level critical thinking to collaborate with physicians and healthcare team members through both written and verbal communications. Practices health economics to optimize patient’s well-being by utilizing medical data to inform patient’s decisions in weighing the risks/benefits of treatment modalities. Professionally trained to meet patients where they are to optimize medical messaging and treatment plan through compassion and creativity. Daily usage of MS Office software and Epic electronic health record system.

Areas of Expertise
Research, Literature Review, and Publications
- Reviewed current research literature and databases to stay abreast of the newest data and best practices to provide patients with up to date, evidence-based medical care
- Developed then tested the validity and reliability of a pre-/post-test research questionnaire for a food safety and nutrition educational program for low-income pregnant women
- Entered and analyzed primary research data using MS Access and SPSS statistical software in collaboration with university statisticians for further interpretation of research findings
- Developed and presented scientific poster of a study of Trinidadian guppies for exchange of knowledge amongst zoology peers

Data Tracking, Interpretation, and Analysis
- Interpreted laboratory data to look for trends and patterns that indicate disease states then projected the best treatment options based on the trends and medical history
- Analyzed radiographic and imaging data to forecast fracture healing timelines to manage patient expectations and understanding of the treatment plan
- Interpreted participant 3-day dietary records to input raw data into the Nutrition Data System for Research software for a CDC epidemiological study of Autism in the United States
- Organized and filed the hard-copy forms of dietary records from across five study sites across the U.S. for ease of access as needed for future data analysis
- Utilized data spreadsheets to manage detailed participant files while ensuring research subject confidentiality and compliance within the principles of research ethics
- Used a variety of measurements to quantify the body-shape differences of “pregnant” female Trinidadian guppies then analyzed the data for a zoological study

Cross-functional Communication and Collaboration
- Utilized active listening skills while obtaining patients’ medical history to ensure all necessary details were captured and patients felt listened to and understood
- Carefully documented every patient interaction to leave a clear path for other providers to be able to follow and understand each case and treatment course
- Communicated both in writing and in person with physicians across specialties to coordinate patient care in the hospital setting
- Presented medical findings and treatment plan recommendations to the patient while adapting communication style to the patient level and avoiding medical jargon
- Taught medical and surgical residents rotating through the department the basic principles and patient care essentials necessary for thoracic surgery specialty care
- Coordinated with clinical research assistants and program managers with regards to timeline for completion of data entry for analysis within the broader scope of the study
- Liaised weekly with the paraprofessional educators located in the study-site communities across the state to help facilitate participant enrollment and recruitment

Technical Writing and Content Development
- Wrote detailed and comprehensive patient chart notes, electronic communications with patient care team members, and answers to electronic inquiries from other providers asking specialty advice questions
- Developed written patient care plans while adapting the communication style and its language to different patient populations to ensure understanding and follow-through
- Designed and created patient care handouts, including content, layout, and detail, on how to use medications and treatments at home to ensure patient compliance and safety
- Wrote detailed and specialized discharge summaries for both patient usage at home and for rehab facilities including treatment and medication orders
- Wrote master thesis based on primary data analysis then presented to the research committee while answering follow-up questions and obtaining feedback for copy editing purposes
- Back-translated, edited, and copywrote English/Spanish educational material to ensure utility of information for study participants living in predominantly bilingual communities

Medical Practice
- Carried out inpatient rounding, care management, and consultation duties for thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and head & neck surgery patients
- Evaluated new and established ear, nose, and throat patients in the outpatient clinic to diagnose, treat, and educate specialty specific conditions
- Consulted on orthopedic complaints throughout the hospital, including the emergency room and ICU, to determine whether the patient required a bedside or operating room procedure
- Provided care to orthopedic patients in the outpatient setting for acute, non-emergent complaints to accurately diagnose and treat these conditions
- Acted as first and second assist in the operating room for both open and video-assisted non-cardiac, thoracic surgeries
- Performed a variety of bedside thoracic procedures on a diverse group of patients while ensuring patient safety, in order to provide treatment and comfort care

Healthcare Experience
- Physician Assistant | Kaiser Permanente | June 2014 – March 2022
- Physician Assistant | Geisinger Medical Center | April 2013 – May 2014

Scientific & Health Services Research Experience
- Student Research Assistant | JFK Partners, University of Colorado | 2010 – 2011
- Graduate Research Assistant | Colorado State University | 2007 – 2009
- Undergraduate Research Assistant | Colorado State University | 2003 - 2004

Education
- Master of Physician Assistant Studies | University of Colorado - Denver | Physician Assistant
- Master of Science | Colorado State University | Food Science and Human Nutrition
- Bachelor of Science | Colorado State University | Zoology

Research Publication
Susan S. Baker, EdD; Patricia Kendall, PhD, RD; Kristen Frey, MS, MPAS, PA-C; et al. (2014) Healthy Baby, Healthy Me Food Safety Curriculum. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 46 (6): 629-631. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2014.05.011 ; Winner “Best Great Educational Material Award,” 2015

Research Posters
International Association of Food Protection | Annual Meeting | July 2009
- Development and Validation of an Instrument to Assess Food Safety Knowledge and Behavior Among Low-income Pregnant Women coauthor with Dr. Patricia Kendall

Evolution 2004 | Annual Meeting | June 2004
- Predator-induced Phenotypic Plasticity of Trinidadian Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) coauthor with Dr. Cameron Ghalambor