Physician Assistant Studies Faculty / Staff

Natalie Weber, PA-C

Natalie Weber, PA-CProgram Director; Associate Professor for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3665 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120F Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

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

Ms. Weber joined the University of Dubuque in 2016 as an Assistant Professor in the Physician Assistant Program 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. She transitioned to the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center when it opened on campus in 2020. 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 spending time outdoors.

Emily Appleton, PA-C

Emily Appleton, PA-CAcademic Director; Assistant Professor for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3864 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120A Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

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

Ms. Appleton joined UDPA in 2017 and serves as Academic Director and Assistant Professor, teaching 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, enjoy attending the athletic activities of their three children.

Kristie Arthofer

Kristie ArthoferPhysician Assistant Program Admission Director and Program Coordinator

Phone: 563.589.3662 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120 Linda Chlapaty Hall

Regina Torson, MD, FAAFP

Regina Torson, MD, FAAFPMedical Director for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3360 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center

Credentials / Bio

  • Doctor of Medicine, University of Iowa
  • Board Certification: Family Medicine 
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians
Addy First, MS

Addy First, MSAcademic and Laboratory Specialist for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3634 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120G Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

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

Mrs. First joined the University in 2013 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 lab, and performs administrative duties for the program. She and her husband, Nick, have one daughter.

Christine M. Gilbert, BS

Christine M. Gilbert, BSRegional Clinical Recruiter for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3585 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120 Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

  • 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. Post-graduation 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.

Nicole Harms, BS

Nicole Harms, BSClinical Liaison for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3667 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120D Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

  • 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.

William Karkow, MD, FACS

William Karkow, MD, FACSAssociate Professor for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3143 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120I Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

  • 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.

Tonya Kerker, PA-C

Tonya Kerker, PA-CAssistant Professor for Physician Assistant Studies

Phone: 563.589.3662 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120 Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

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

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 1 son.

Cortney Kueter, PA-C

Cortney Kueter, PA-CAssistant Professor for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3662 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120A Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

  • Bachelor of Science, Loras College
  • Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Des Moines University
  • 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.

Renee Messerly, PA-C

Renee Messerly, PA-CAdjunct Instructor for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3662 Department: Physician Assistant Studies

CREDENTIALS / BIO

  • 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.

Laura Neal, MD

Laura Neal, MDAdjunct Instructor for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3662 Department: Physician Assistant Studies

Rachel Rokser, PA-C

Rachel Rokser, PA-CClinical Coordinator; Assistant Professor for Physician Assistant Program.

Phone: 563.589.3358 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120C Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

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

Rachel Rokser joined the University of Dubuque in April 2021 and is an Assistant Professor, the 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, respectively. She worked clinically as a Physician Assistant in Internal Medicine for 8.5 years 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 dog, Roxanne.

Emily Vyverberg, PharmD

Emily Vyverberg, PharmDAssistant Professor for Physician Assistant Program

Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120B Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

  • Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

Dr. Vyverberg joined the University in 2018 and currently teaches physiology and pharmacology within the PA program. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy and continues to practice pharmacy in the tristate area. Emily is active with several local non-profit organizations in the Dubuque community and enjoys traveling, cooking, and biking in her free time.

Regan Wolbers, MD

Regan Wolbers, MDClinical Education Director; Assistant Professor for Physician Assistant Program

Phone: 563.589.3661 Fax: 563.589.3650 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120E Linda Chlapaty Hall

Credentials / Bio

  • Bachelors of Science, University of Notre Dame
  • 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
  • Diplomat of the American Board of Family Medicine
  • Diplomat of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. Wolbers joined the UDPA Program in 2001 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.

Patrice BrimeyerAdministrative Assistant in the Physician Assistant Department

Phone: 563.589.3660 Department: Physician Assistant Studies Office: 120H Linda Chlapaty Hall