Jennifer Dean-Dwyer and Jackie Osterhaus, Physician Assistants for Paynesville Area Health Care System, were recently honored by the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants with the Physician Assistant of the Year Award and Presidents Award, respectively, at their annual association meeting in Bloomington March 2nd – 4th, 2011.

Dean-Dwyer, who has 32 years of experience as a Physician Assistant (PA), accepted her award from MAPA’s President-Elect, Terence Panvica. The Physician Assistant of the Year Award is presented to a PA who exemplifies the commitment of the profession to quality patient care and community service. Dean-Dwyer, a medical provider for Paynesville Area Health Care System at the Chain of Lakes Medical Clinic in Cold Spring, has given many years of volunteer work in her community, international medical mission work, and assisting with language skills for immigrants. She has served as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, mentoring students entering the PA profession, and other leadership opportunities on a local, state, and national level. Jennifer has served as the President of the MAPA for 3 previous terms, and is currently serving as the chairperson of the Public Relations committee for the association.

Dean-Dwyer was praised by her children for the role model standards she set, which has had a major influence in their lives. “She has consistently demonstrated to us the need for balancing professional aspirations, a successful career, and our personal life. Our mother reinforced the need to work hard, excel at what you do and nurture hobbies and passions.” In conclusion, Dean-Dwyer summarized her career experience by stating, “As a Physician Assistant, we are team members with Physicians to provide a broad range of medical care, including diagnosis and management of medical conditions. I am so honored to be recognized and I love being a PA.”

Osterhaus, a 1997 Augsburg graduate, was selected to receive the Presidents Award from Past President, Gene Beavers for her outstanding contributions to her patients, military, family and MAPA. Jackie, who has 14 years of experience as a PA , has held the roles of President, newsletter editor, and human resources committee chairperson for the MAPA association along with being active in various community health events, American Heart and Diabetes Association speaking opportunities and cancer research fundraising. Osterhaus, Captain for the US Army, joined the military in 1999 and has served in medical deployments to Iraq. She is currently serving as the president of the MN Chapter of the Reserve Officers Association.

Osterhaus, Physician Assistant with the Paynesville Area Health Care System at the Eastside Medical Clinic, Belgrade, was praised for her courage, grace and commitment in all areas of her life while exemplifying the dedicated service of the PA profession. “It is an honor to receive such an award from my peers who I regard with such high esteem. Practicing as a physician assistant in Minnesota is truly a privilege that I don’t take lightly, and I enjoy serving in leadership positions as a way of giving back to a profession and an academy that has given so much to me”, stated Osterhaus.

The Mission of the Minnesota Academy of Physician Assistants is to promote quality, cost-effective, accessible health care, and to promote the professional and personal growth of Physician Assistants.