TAMMY M. GERDES
BARNARD,VERMONT
Summary
- Seasoned Physician Assistant- Certified with 25 years of dedicated experience in delivering direct clinical care to diverse patient populations. Competent and caring, exhibiting a calm reassuring personality with Highly skilled communication of complex health care issues to supervisors and personnel, and devising plans to meet patient physical and psychological care needs. Expertise in areas of urogynecology, internal medicine with hematology and oncology background, providing preventive care, and actualizing emergency interventions to restore and maintain patients' health. Preceptor with encouraging mentorship providing an inclusive educational experience. Proven leadership abilities that guide healthcare professionals towards achievement of patient outcome goals while optimizing activities and driving organizational missions.
- For a period of time during the coronavirus pandemic, a necessary career sabbatical was taken to care for four of my family members impacted by Covid 19. During this unprecedented time, tragically my Dad, a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Navy with medals of honor, my best friend, and my hero lost his battle to Covid 19 along with my Grandmother who helped raise me. Always, I have been an empathetic care provider, but my personal experience with Covid has left me forever changed with a greater capacity to search for optimism in the darkest hours, letting our hearts lead the way when our knowledge falls short of what is needed to sustain us.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Pelvic Medicine/Urogynecology Locums
University of Vermont Medical Center Fanny Allen
Colchester, VT
06.2024 - 10.2024
- Performed Pelvic Medicine/Urogynecology pre-op and post-op exams.
- Provided follow-up care for a diverse population of patients with women's health, pessary care, and incontinence concerns..
- Accomplished New Patient exams meeting patients goals of improving their quality of life.
Regional Per Diem Provider
ClearChoice MD Urgent Care
Williston, S. Burlington, Brattleboro, VT
04.2023 - 04.2024
- Regional Per Diem Provider charging clinic coverage with one-two medical assistants meeting all urgent care needs for a diverse population of patients from birth to geriatrics.
Compensation and Pension Examiner
Veteran's Evaluation of New England
South Burlington, VT
11.2022 - 12.2023
- Examiner for a consulting firm that worked with vendors, Veteran's Evaluation Services, QTC (Quality, Time, Care), to perform compensation and pension exams for Veterans with disabilities and multiple comorbidities.
- Took this unique opportunity to serve Veterans in memory of my Dad.
Physician Assistant
GIFFORD MEDICAL CENTER
BETHEL, VERMONT
03.2009 - 10.2020
- Conducted thorough physical examinations in General Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Women's Health, Occupational Health and Geriatrics in my multidisciplinary role.
- Provided patient care at The Bethel Health Center, Rochester Health Center, and Four Seasons Community Care Center for the Elderly.
- Sole Provider Covering The Rochester Health Center on Fridays weekly with assistance from one lovely nurse and an awesome office manager.
- Precepted Medical Students in Primary Care, Internal Medicine, and Women's Health didactic clinical rotations.
- Clinical Coordinator at Four Seasons Community Care Center for the Elderly providing direct patient care while supervising all follow up protocols and precepting with mentorship in this unique setting.
- Presentations given at The Vermont Law School for Women's Health.
- Utilized my professional training and interpersonal skills to generate a better understanding of diagnoses concerning my patients while facilitating ongoing communication between my fellow colleagues and other disciplines.
- Collected patient information to facilitate smooth and effective visits.
- Recommended diagnoses based on examinations, test results and reported symptoms.
- Independently Prescribed therapies and medications to ameliorate symptoms and treat underlying conditions.
- Interviewed patients and reviewed patient files to determine medical histories, previous treatment and therapies and medication history.
- Recorded patients' medical history, vital statistics and test results in electronic medical records.
- Worked with medical professionals to provide complex clinical care management, patient education and counseling.
- Monitored treatment regimens to determine efficacy and adjusted according to results achieved.
- Maintained strict patient privacy and confidential patient information, taking care to meet all HIPAA guidelines and statues for data security.
- Ordered laboratory testing, physical assessments and specialist consults to help diagnose and treat patients.
- Ordered laboratory tests and imaging scans to complete further investigations.
- Provided initial coverage for unavailable physicians, filling critical staffing gap and providing solid patient care.
- Provided preventive screenings and care to patients, including well-woman exams (WWE).
- Performed comprehensive patient exams and assessments to formulate, implement and continuously update individualized plans of care.
- On call telephone call coverage on a rotating schedule as P.A.-C and as physician call coverage with 24 years of experience.
Physician Assistant
VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VERMONT
02.2000 - 03.2011
- AMBULATORY CARE UNIT: GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE/PRIMARY CARE
- Provided patient care in internal medicine/primary care utilizing my interpersonal skills to generate a better understanding of issues concerning my patients while facilitating ongoing communication between fellow colleagues and other disciplines.
- Treated my patients as if they were extended family.
- Maintained teamwork and dedication in keeping our steadfast mission of making a difference with healthcare in this diverse population of veterans.
- Precepted Students in GIM/PC didactic clinical rotations.
- Performed joint aspiration on elbows as needed for clinical diagnosis.
- Conducted thorough physical evaluations and collected patient information to facilitate smooth and effective visits.
- Recommended diagnoses based on examinations, test results and reported symptoms.
- Interviewed patients and reviewed patient files to determine medical histories, previous treatment and therapies and medication history.
- Recorded patients' medical history, vital statistics and test results in electronic medical records.
- Worked with medical professionals to provide complex clinical care management, patient education and counseling.
- Explained treatment procedures, medication risks, special diets, and physician instructions to patients.
- Monitored treatment regimens to determine efficacy and adjusted according to results achieved.
- Ordered laboratory testing, physical assessments and specialist consults to help diagnose and treat patients.
- Performed laceration repair, including suturing, stapling, gluing and use of butterfly bandages.
- Performed comprehensive patient exams and assessments to formulate, implement and continuously update individualized plans of care.
- Ordered laboratory tests and imaging scans to complete further investigations.
- Provided preventive screenings and care to patients, including well-woman exams (WWE).
- Covered the walk in clinic Served on a task force that evaluated the original Walk In Clinic Maintained GIM performance measures in the top 5% at the VAMC.
- SPECIAL PROGRAMS UNIT: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CLINICAL COORDINATOR AGENT ORANGE, GULF WAR, AND IONIZING RADIATION CLINICS
- Developed and Implemented the Agent Orange, Gulf War, and lonizing Radiation Programs as they operated at that time.
- Focused examinations on Veterans with Service Connected conditions with history of various environmental exposures.
- Innovative changes on how the Agent Orange, Gulf War, lonizing Radiations Programs operated were implemented. Resulting in an efficient system that cut the patient backlog reducing wait time for a service connected examination.
- Instructed colleagues on the processes/protocols for conducting service connected physical exams for the Special Programs Unit clinics.
Medical Interviewer
DARTMOUTH MEDICAL SCHOOL
HANOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE
11.1995 - 05.1997
- RESEARCH: New Hampshire Health Study (Dr. Margaret Karagas).
- Recruited patients and conducted interviews with them concerning health-related conditions specific to our medical study.
- Abstracted pertinent patient information to assess general health of the study participant.
- Utilized phlebotomy skills to obtain 20 cc of blood to determine dietary factors.
- Supervised and completed a 200 patient population blood drawing project.
- Interacted sensitively, effectively, and professionally with individuals from diverse cultural, socioeconomic and educational, sexual, gender and religious orientations and backgrounds.
- Maintained confidentiality when addressing sensitive information with tact and diplomacy.
Senior Medical Research Assistant
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
HOUSTON, TEXAS
02.1993 - 10.1995
- RESEARCH: Meningiomas (Dr. Ian McCutcheon)
- Paper published Journal of Neurosurgery: Intracranial injection of human meningioma cells in athymic mice: an orthotopic model for meningioma growth. DOI link: https://doi.org/10.3171/jns.2000.92.2.0306
- Supervised all operations of the Neurosurgery laboratory.
- Interviewed patients pre-op and post-op developing various intervention efforts promoting the well being of children and families impacted by malgnancies.
- Performed primary tissue culture of meningiomas, cell maintenance, growth curves, and characterization of angiogenic and invasive potential.
- Mastered immunohistochemistry techniques of all tumor cell lines.
- Led animal surgery on nude mice for development of an intracerebral and skull base meningioma model.
- Prepared cost analysis for all projects and for grant submission.
- Traveled and worked actively in conjunction with other colleagues at various sites on collaborative projects.
Education
Physician Assistant Studies -
Le Moyne College
1999
Graduate - Molecular Biology, Forensic Studies
Texas Tech University
1992
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Texas A&M University
1990
Skills
- Strong in communication and interpersonal skills
- Fun, creative and energetic patient care
- Motivated to provide exceptional caring service to my patient population treating each individual as if they were like extended family
- Preceptor with encouragement to students, colleagues, and faculty alike to achieve successful longterm goals in mastering their subject matter
- Team player to coordinate better outcomes for patient centered healthcare models
- Enthusiastically supports patient, family, and support networks educating them with the knowledge needed to make sound medical decisions to benefit overall healthcare and well being
- Strong clinical judgement
- Performs delegated tasks timely and efficiently
- Adaptability
- Learns quickly with patience in the process
- 21 years of diverse multidisciplinary innovative clinical medical experience enhanced with background research experience
- We can "do it" attitude! Navigating challenges with optimism and positivity
Affiliations
NCCPA Physician Assistant-Certified (since 12-03-99), NCCPA Special Recognition Surgery Exam (11-30-99), BLS, ACLS
Accomplishments
- National Environmental Health Commendation Award for Agent Orange, Gulf War, and lonizing Radiation Programs 2008, 2007, 2005.
- Wood Badge Recipient Boy Scouts of America Troop 220, August 2022
- The "Many Hearts Trail" was built: My son, Orion Beardsley, for his Eagle Scout Project created a memorial, The "Many Hearts Trail" dedicated to Beloved Americans lost to Covid 19. The mission statement: May the "Many Hearts" of this great nation ever unite and persevere. Myself, my children, Scouts, and community members have devoted heartfelt time to the trail to help heal "Many Hearts".
VOLUNTEERISM
8/08 to present: Treasurer Barnard Recreation Committee
10/15 to present: Skating Club at Dartmouth board member at large.
8/08 to present: Troop Committee Leader in Boy Scouts of America Troop 220. Den Leader for Cub Scouts Troop 220 and First Aid Merit Badge Instructor for Troop 220 and 232. Wood Badge Recipient.
8/08 to 10/21: Soccer Coordinator for Barnard Academy. Developed a soccer program for children ages 4 to 12 to develop athletic skills, interpersonal skills, friendships, and FUN with financial scholarship for those families in need.
8/08 to 10/22: Officer, Vice-President Barnard Educational Endeavor Society. Local organization that provides support for the Barnard Academy school students through fund raising, volunteerism, organizational events to enhance the educational experience of student grades pre-K through 6th.
REFERENCES
Available upon request.
Timeline
Pelvic Medicine/Urogynecology Locums
University of Vermont Medical Center Fanny Allen
06.2024 - 10.2024
Regional Per Diem Provider
ClearChoice MD Urgent Care
04.2023 - 04.2024
Compensation and Pension Examiner
Veteran's Evaluation of New England
11.2022 - 12.2023
Physician Assistant
GIFFORD MEDICAL CENTER
03.2009 - 10.2020
Physician Assistant
VETERANS AFFAIRS MEDICAL CENTER
02.2000 - 03.2011
Medical Interviewer
DARTMOUTH MEDICAL SCHOOL
11.1995 - 05.1997
Senior Medical Research Assistant
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER
02.1993 - 10.1995
Physician Assistant Studies -
Le Moyne College
Graduate - Molecular Biology, Forensic Studies
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Texas A&M University
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