Physician Assistant Studies Faculty/Staff Directory

• Doctor of Medical Science, Southern Illinois University
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Des Moines University
• Bachelor of Science, Loras College

Dr. Weber joined the University of Dubuque Physician Assistant Program faculty in 2016 serving as course director of the Clinical Assessment and Clinical Medicine course series. She was appointed Director of the program in January 2018 and continues to serve in that role as well as course director of the Role of the PA and Didactic and Program Summative courses. She has practiced in both family and emergency medicine since obtaining her PA degree in 2004 and currently practices at Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center. She served as President of the Iowa PA Society from 2020-2021 and was appointed to the Iowa Board of Physician Assistants in 2021. She and her husband, Hollis, have two active boys and love sports and spending time outdoors.

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Iowa
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Iowa

Ms. Appleton joined UDPA in 2017 and serves as Academic Director and Associate Professor, leading the Clinical Assessment and Clinical Medicine course series. She has worked in family practice since 1999 and at the UD Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center since its opening in 2020. She and her husband, Matt, have three grown children and enjoy family time together, watching sports and being outdoors.

• AA from North East Iowa Community College
• 16 years of experience in Higher Education
• Double Certification in Life and Health Coaching from the Health Coach Institute

Ms. Arthofer joined the University of Dubuque in 2017 as the Physician Assistant Administrative Assistant. She was appointed Director of Admission and Program Coordinator in 2019. She is involved in PA event planning, assisting with day to day operational program needs, coaching within the program's wellness course and facilitating students through the CASPA application and onboarding process. She and her husband, Jerry, have four children and 10 grandchildren who enjoy the adventures of numerous family activities, preferably outdoors in nature involving water.

• Master of Science, University of Florida
• Bachelor of Science, Mount Mercy University

Mrs. First joined the University in 2018 and serves as Academic and Laboratory Specialist for the Physician Assistant Program. She earned a BS in Biology and Forensics from Mount Mercy University and MS in Forensic Medicine from the University of Florida. She is involved in the Capstone Project, teaches anatomy, and performs administrative duties for the program. She and her husband, Nick, have two children.

• Master of Management - Communication Management, University of Dubuque
• Bachelor of Health Science, Benedictine University

Ms. Gilbert joined the University of Dubuque Physician Assistant Program in April 2020 as the Regional Clinical Recruiter. She earned a Bachelor of Health Science from Benedictine University and her Master of Management - Communication Management from the University of Dubuque. After undergraduate she spent two years at Loyola University Medical Center doing Viral Oncogenic Research. Following that position, Ms. Gilbert served in many pharmaceutical roles including Associate Project Manager in clinical drug development. Her diverse experience fuels her passion to make a difference in healthcare and the world. She is grateful for the opportunity to play an instrumental role in helping future practitioners gain dynamic clinical experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and serving others in the community.

• Bachelors of Science, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
• Histology Technician Certificate, Indiana University School of Medicine

Ms. Harms joined the University of Dubuque Physician Assistant Program in April 2021 as the Clinical Liaison. She earned her BS from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and later earned her Histology Certification from Indiana University School of Medicine.

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, University of Illinois
• Doctor of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago
• General Surgery Residency, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
• Vascular Surgery Fellowship, Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati
• Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery
• Added Qualifications in General Vascular Surgery by the American Board of Surgery

Dr. Karkow joined the University in 2006 and the PA program in 2016, serving as Academic Director until 2021. He practiced general and vascular surgery in Cincinnati, then in small-town Iowa until 2005. He and his wife, Louaine have 10 children and 11 grandchildren.

• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science 
• Bachelor of Science, Loras College

Ms. Kerker joined University of Dubuque in 2019 as Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant Program. She earned her Bachelor of Science locally at Loras College and her PA degree in Chicago at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. She teaches both the clinical skills and diagnostics series, as well as the professional competency course throughout the clinical year. She has a background in emergency medicine and family medicine. She and her husband, Jared, have two children.

• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Des Moines University
• Bachelor of Science, Loras College
• Clinical Preceptor American Academy of Physician Assistants

Ms. Kueter joined the University of Dubuque in 2016 as an Assistant Professor for the Physician Assistant Program. She earned a BS from Loras College and her MS in Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University. She has practiced as a PA in Internal Medicine since 2007. She has been recognized by the American Academy of Physician Assistants as a Clinical Preceptor. She serves as an Assistant Professor as well as a local Clinical Preceptor for the UDPA program. Her scholarship focus is on didactic preparation with integration into clinical practice, and she takes pride in witnessing the UDPA students thrive during their clinical year. She and her husband Travis have four children. She enjoys coaching girls' basketball at Marquette High school, as well as coaching her children in youth basketball.

• Bachelor of Arts, University of Northern Iowa

• Bible Certification, Emmaus Bible College

• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Des Moines University

Ms. Messerly joined UDPA in 2018 and serves as an Adjunct Instructor, directing the Role of the PA I course and guest lecturing for Clinical Medicine. She has practiced in Urgent Care since graduating from PA school and now practices at the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center. She enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and three children.

• Doctor of Medicine, Loma Linda University
• Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Computer Science, University of Redlands
• Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
• Fellow, American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Dr. Neal joined the UDPA Program in 2018 as an Adjunct Professor, and has taught Lab Interpretation & Clinical Skills courses as well as the Women's Health unit of Clinical Medicine. She serves as an evaluator in exams for multiple didactic courses, as well as for students' case presentations and Capstone papers during the clinical year. She enjoys helping the fabulous students in the PA program develop their skills and knowledge. She grew up in California and spends her free time with family.

• Master of Physician Assistant Studies, Marquette University
• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University

Rachel Rokser joined the University of Dubuque in April 2021 and is an Assistant Professor, Clinical Coordinator, and Capstone Course Director of the UDPA program. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Marquette University in 2007 and 2008. She worked clinically as a Physician Assistant in Internal Medicine (inpatient and outpatient) and subsequently in Vaccine Research at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Immunization Research (CIR) since 2018 where she was a Physician Assistant Manager and Lead Clinical Coordinator on Phase I-III Vaccine Clinical trials. Rachel continues her passion for vaccine research working remotely for the CIR. She enjoys trail running, boating and spending time with her husband, Adam, and daughter.

• Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

Dr. Vyverberg joined the University of Dubuque as an adjunct instructor in 2018, and then joined the UDPA program full time as an assistant professor in 2020. She currently teaches the physiology and pharmacology course series within the UDPA program. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy in 2009. She has practiced as a community pharmacist in the tristate area since 2009. Emily is actively involved with several local non-profit organizations in the Dubuque community. She enjoys traveling, cooking, bird watching, and biking in her free time.

• Doctor of Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
• Family Practice Residency, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Cedar Rapids Medical Education Foundation
• Bachelors of Science, University of Notre Dame
• Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine
• Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. Wolbers joined the UDPA Program in 2020 and serves as the Clinical Education Director and an Assistant Professor. She earned her BS from the University of Notre Dame and her MD from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. She completed her Family Practice Residency at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Cedar Rapids Medical Education Foundation. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine as well as a Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Her passion is empowering patients to take control of their health through healthy lifestyle choices. She and her husband, Chad, have three children. They enjoy spending free time together on their vintage houseboat on the Mississippi.

• Master of Communications - Leadership, University of Dubuque
• Bachelor of Arts - Marketing, University of Northern Iowa

Ms. Brimeyer joined University of Dubuque in 2023 as Administrative Assistant. Currently, she assists with PA budget related business. Previously she spent 37+ years as a business relations professional with experience in account management, software implementation, marketing, and customer service management in the healthcare technology sector. She and her husband have four sons and two adorable grandchildren.

• Doctor of Osteopathy, Des Moines University
• Bachelor of Science, University of Colorado, Boulder
• Emergency Medicine Residency, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic
• Diplomat of the American Board of Emergency Medicine

Dr. Engelman joined the UD staff in 2024 to serve as the Medical Director of the Physician Assistant program and Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center. She earned her BS from the University of Colorado and her medical degree from Des Moines University. She completed her Emergency Medicine Residency at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. She is a Diplomat of the American Board Emergency Medicine. She previously worked at St Luke's Emergency Department in Cedar Rapids and is currently a practicing physician at Mercy One Hospital, Dubuque, in the Emergency Department. She and her husband, Eric, have three children and love to travel and enjoy the outdoors golfing together.