Students

 I grew up in Washington State where sports and outdoor adventures like skiing at Mt. Hood were a big part of my life. After high school, I went to Bellevue College and then Oregon Tech, playing baseball while earning my degree in biology and chemistry. After college, I worked a mix of jobs around the Northwest, from pharmaceutical research to selling orthopedic implants. Those experiences and seeing medicine up close made me realize I wanted to be directly involved in patient care, which led me to PA school at the University of Washington. 

I was excited to learn that UW’s MEDEX program had a site in Alaska, giving me the chance to keep exploring the outdoors while completing my medical education. I’m excited to spend the summer on the Kenai Peninsula. If I’m not in the clinic, you’ll probably catch me floating the river or enjoying everything Alaska has to offer.

 I’m a second-year Physician Assistant student at the University of Washington MEDEX program in Anchorage. 

Prior to PA school, I spent eight years as a Navy Corpsman and later moved to Alaska, where I worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs while completing my undergraduate studies at UAA.

In my free time, I make the most of Alaska’s seasons—snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer. You’ll also find me floating down the river with my wife and our dog, hoping to catch a few salmon along the way.

During my time at the VA, I had the chance to become familiar with the Kenai area, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to return and to work with the team at Odyssey!

 I am a second year PA student attending Bethel University in Paris, TN! I first moved to Kenai in October 2021 and have been in the lower 48 attending school since 2023. I am very excited to be back and settle down here! Before school, I worked as a CNA in nursing home and hospital settings. Outside of school, I enjoy flying, fishing, camping, bodybuilding, hiking, and experiencing all the amazing adventures the KP has to offer! My fiancé and I are planning on building a house out in Nikiski in the spring and stay very busy with our two dogs, Sawyer (bulldog) and Sadie (pitbull). 

 I'm a second year PA student just starting my clinical year. I am originally from Indianapolis, Indiana. I started my career in healthcare 10 years ago as an EMT in Vermont. I moved back to Indianapolis to attend paramedic school and to work for the city of Indianapolis as a paramedic. I took a job in Anchorage as a flight paramedic and flew medevac patients from all over Alaska which made me decide to pursue a different career path. When I am not studying you can find me outdoors running, swimming, and exploring Alaska with my dog and my husband or indoors knitting and spinning fiber. I am also an avid motorsport and Indianapolis 500 fan.   

I am a 2nd year Physician Assistant Student with the University of Washington MEDEX program. My undergraduate degree is in Exercise Science and have a master's degree in Athletic Training. Prior to PA school, I worked as a high school athletic trainer in Nevada and Montana. I am originally from Anchorage, AK and fish in Kenai over the summer, so I am very excited to work with Odyssey Family Practice in the last frontier! 

I'm a second year PA student focusing on Family Medicine for the next few months, putting the final touches on my education. Before diving into PA school, I spent 16 years as a paramedic, working as an ambulance and flight paramedic across the Southwest US. Originally from Colorado, I recently moved to Alaska for the MEDEX PA program from New Mexico. When I'm not studying, you can find me exploring Alaska with my spouse and our pit bull. I have been enjoying the challenging nature of family medicine and truly appreciate this opportunity. 

Hello everyone,

Little bit about me, I grew up in Omaha Nebraska and eventually was stationed at Elmendorf AFB in 2006 leading to my first ever Alaskan adventure. After that experience, I left Alaska I went to Hawaii Pacific University where I completed his BSBA and MBA in International Business. In 2016 I went back to school to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist working at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. After the initial impact of the Covid pandemic I decided I wanted to come back to Alaska and continue my work in Respiratory Care. I was accepted into the University of Washington MEDEX physician assistant program and am completing my Family Medicine rotation with the amazing staff at Odyssey Family Practice. I love hiking, fishing, and scuba diving. I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work with Odyssey and help this wonderful community. I look forward to meeting you all.

 Jake is a 2nd year Physician Assistant Student studying at the University of Washington MEDEX Physician Assistant program in Anchorage Alaska. He received his undergraduate degree in business management from Whitworth University in Spokane Washington. Prior to PA School, Jake spent his time working as a Medical Assistant in an Orthopedic Specialty clinic in Anchorage for 2 years, as well as a year in Family Medicine at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland Oregon. 

Jake now lives in Anchorage with his wife Katie and happy pup Koda. Being Alaskan born and raised, Jake enjoys hiking, biking, skiing, regular walks, and lifting weights in his free time.

 I’m Megan and I am a PA student at the University of Washington in Seattle. I was born and raised in Soldotna and am excited to come back to my hometown and build on all the knowledge and skills I’ve gained throughout my training. I grew up doing all the fun things Alaskan kids do - hiking, camping, fishing, and flying with my dad. I look forward to meeting you all as I continue my clinical training at Odyssey!  

 Looking forward to meeting you, I’m Kara Hawker, a student working toward my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Seattle University. Before I decided to change careers, I worked in cardiology, performing cardiac ultrasound and electrophysiology studies. I am fascinated by the heart, and I hope you will let me listen to yours. Although I am not from Kenai, my parents have lived here for 15 years. I love to visit, and you may see me out fishing but probably not catching anything 

 Hello! My name is Megan Janorschke and I’ll be learning from the outstanding team at Odyssey Family Practice for the next few months. I’m a Physician Assistant student in the MEDEX program through the University of Washington. I grew up in Soldotna and enjoy many of the Alaskan adventures like fishing and hiking. I love staying fit by lifting weights and rowing. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!