Armed with a medical degree, a keen interest in emergency medicine and an unwavering commitment to help others at home and abroad, Dr. Copeland joined the U.S. Marines. He served first as a general medical officer and then soon as a full scope family medicine physician. He was stationed in California and Guam and periodically deployed around the world. He served patients and communities in Iraq, Liberia, Guam, earning several awards along the way.
Today he is proud to serve the people of Alaska. As a doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, he brings a whole-person approach to his practice.
Areas of Interest
Family Medicine
Urgent Care
Pediatrics
Obstetrics
Education
Bachelor’s Degree (BS), Biochemistry, University of Florida (1998)
Medical Degree (DO), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic (2002)
Military Training, Field Medical Service School, Camp Pendleton, CA (2003)
Military Training, Combat Casualty Care Course – Camp Bullis, TX (2002)
Residency, Naval Hospital Jacksonville Family Medicine Residency, Jacksonville, FL (2007)
Internship, Naval Hospital Jacksonville Family Medicine Residency, Jacksonville, FL (2003)
Other Certifications
Basic Life Support
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Advanced Trauma Life Support
Neonatal Resuscitation Program
Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics
Memberships & Affiliations
Committee at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Member
Maternal/Child Health Committee at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, Voting Member
Fun Stuff
Dr. Copeland has a long history of helping others in his spare time, including serving as an emergency department volunteer at the University of Florida, Scoutmaster for a Boy Scout troop on Guam, and a musician for the University of Florida Marching Band. Today he embraces the Alaska life and enjoys hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, camping, and spending time with family.
Dietician Constance (“Connie”) J. Dafoe-Rueb, MS, RDN, LD, CDCES is a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) with a master’s degree in Nutritional Science and Dietetics – and over three decades of experience. She’s helped patients through nutritional issues of all kinds over the years, and believes there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Instead, Ms. Dafoe-Rueb is a trusted patient advocate who pays close attention patients’ individual preferences, needs, and values.
Areas of Interest
Nutrition
Diabetes
Education
Master’s Degree in Nutritional Science and Dietetics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, South Dakota State University
Certifications & Awards
Licensed Dietitian in the States of Alaska
Certified Diabetes Educator
National Certification Board for Diabetes Educator
National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators
Alaska Dietetic Association (AKDA), Member & Former Executive Board Member
Fun Stuff
Ms. Dafoe-Rueb plays the French horn (“a lot!”) and shares her passion with music students and orchestral audiences around the Anchorage area. She also enjoys quilting, biking, hiking, camping and loves to garden.
Dr. Daum sees himself as a health facilitator. He believes the human body is wonderfully designed to seek health, and he believes his role as a physician is to support the body in that process – using knowledge gathered through training, experience, current medical research, and patient preferences. Dr. Daum is honored to walk with his patients through their journey toward better health.
In addition to being a family medicine provider, Dr. Daum has an interest in sports medicine. He uses his osteopathic training to manage pain and acute injuries.
Dr. Daum, his wife, and his daughter feel fortunate to have moved to Alaska. His wife is stationed at JBER. They are excited to explore the many outdoor activities Alaska offers. Dr. Daum is proud to see patients as part of the PCA team of providers in Eagle River.
Areas of Interest
Family Medicine
Sports Medicine
Education
Residency (Chief Resident), Family Medicine Residency, St. Louis University Southwest Illinois Family Medicine Program (2022)
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (2019)
Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Exercise Science, Truman State University (2013)
Certifications
Diplomate, Family Medicine
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Memberships
American Academy of Family Physicians
Gold Humanism Honor Society
Honors & Awards
Communications Award, Student Association of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
Exercise Science Departmental Honors, Truman State University\
Provost’s List (GPA 3.50 or greater), Truman State University
Fun Stuff
Dr. Daum enjoys cooking, all forms of exercise, watching sports (primarily football), hiking, spending time with his wife, daughter, and worshiping & serving God with his church community.
Ashleigh Farris Certified Physician Assistant with two degrees and a passion for helping people. She treats every patient with the same time, dedication and commitment she would invest in her own family, friend and those closest to her. In addition to being a family medicine practitioner, she has special interests and training in diabetes management and nutrition. Ms. Farris is a longtime Alaskan, having moved to Kenai in the eighth grade, and enjoys helping her fellow Alaskans stay healthy.
Special Interests
Family Medicine
Diabetes management
Nutrition
Urgent Care
Education
BS, Dietetics, University of Northern Colorado BS, Health Sciences, University of Washington
Fun Stuff
Ms. Farris loves the outdoors and enjoys fishing, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her spouse and two children.
Dr. Foland is an award-winning family physician with a special interest in women’s care and helping patients with eating disorders or chemical dependencies. Regardless of her patients’ health issues, she enjoys caring for and getting to know them over time.
Special Interests
Family Medicine
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Biology, University of Colorado
Medical Degree, Colorado University Medical Center
Family Medicine Residency, Mercy Hospital in Denver, Colorado
Professional Service:
Anchorage Medical Society, Past President
Alaska Academy of Family Physicians, Past President & Past Board Member
Alaska State Medical Association (ASMA), Past President & Board of Trustee Member
American Medical Association) (AMA), Past Alternate Delegate
Medical Services Review Committee for Worker Comp Issues, Member
Medical Review Advisory Committee for MIEC, Member & Co-director
Physicians Health Committee of Alaska, Member and Medical Director for decades.
Community Service:
Alaska Seatbelt Coalition, Member
Child Abuse Community Education Committee, Member
“Tar Wars” anti-smoking program in grade schools, Speaker
WAMI and Family Practice Residency, Speaker
STOP For Smoking Cessation, Founding Member
Providence Community Breast Cancer Conference, Speaker
Honors & Awards
Channel 11 Doctor’s Choice Award for Family Practice
Best of Alaska Award for Family Medicine
YWCA Women of Achievement Award, 2001
Alaska Academy of Family Physicians, Physician of the Year Award, 2006
Fun Stuff
Dr. Foland enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and walking her dog. She moved here for just 2 years…but did it in 1977.
Christi Froiland, PA-C, has been treating families, athletes and individuals for decades. After earning her undergraduate degree in Sports Medicine & Recreation, she launched her medical career at the University of Nebraska, where she earn earned a master’s in Athletic Medicine – and helped the Huskers get to the Orange & Fiesta bowls as an athletic trainer.
Over the years she’s treated athletes of all ages and abilities and their families. She has also developed an interest in dermatology and today helps Alaskans with skin conditions as well.
At PCA, Ms. Froiland enjoys the variety and the team atmosphere. She believes that colleagues working together ensures patients get the best possible care. She also believes direct, forthright communication is essential; it empowers patients to make informed healthcare decisions and helps build a trusted provider-patient relationship over time.
Areas of Interest
Family Medicine
Medical Dermatology
Sports Medicine
Urgent Care
Education
Bachelor Degree (BS), Sports Medicine and Recreation, University of South Dakota
Master’s Degree (MEd), Athletic Admin / Athletic Medicine, University of Nebraska
Master’s Degree (MPAS), Physician Assistant Studies, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Fun Stuff
Ms. Froiland is a Service High School graduate and enjoys Nordic skiing, traveling, and hanging out with her family.
Dr. Mari Hately is a board-certified family physician, a member of the Association of American Indian Physicians and a life-long Alaskan. She’s been helping families get and stay healthy for many years.
Education
Doctor of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine (WWAMI Program)
Memberships
Member of the Association of American Indian Physicians
Josh Hedberg, PA-C, specializes in occupational medicine and has provided employment screening and occupational health evaluations for local and remote Alaskan workers for many years. Employers count on him for comprehensive annual occupational health surveillance for employees who perform safety-sensitive, remote, and/or strenuous work throughout the state.
He administers many different types of fit-for-duty tests and is skilled at reviewing and interpreting lab and other diagnostic test data – including comprehensive bloodwork, x-rays, ECG, PFT, audiograms, respirator questionnaires, and more.
When it comes to evaluating and treating worker compensation injuries, he prioritizes quality patient care that allows patients/workers to quickly return to a full and active lifestyle. Mr. Hedberg’s care is backed by years of experience primary care, sports medicine, men’s health, sports, orthopedics, dermatology, geriatrics, and more. In a nutshell, he works hard to get patients back on their feet quickly – and safely.
Special Interest
Occupational Medicine
Education
Physician Assistant Certification, MEDEX Physician Assistant Program, University of Washington
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Health Sciences, University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Environmental Science, Alaska Pacific University
Certifications & Memberships
Basic Life Support
Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Alaska State Medical Association, Member
Awards
Mayors Award for Community Service, Municipality of Anchorage, 1997
Ship Creek Enhancement Project Award – for service on a citizen-based task force charged with developing a plan for the enhancement of Ship Creek.
Fun Stuff
When not helping others live a full Alaskan lifestyle, he’s out doing the same – fat biking and gravel/road bike racing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, boating and fishing in Prince William Sound with his wife and two young boys.
As a family medicine physician, Dr. Hickel is excited to assist her patients in leading long and healthy lives – and is honored to be a central part in their lifelong healthcare. In addition to offering primary care for patients of all ages, she has special interests in travel medicine and women’s health.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Biology, Point Loma Nazarene University
Medical Degree (DO), Western University of Health Sciences
Residency, Providence Alaska Family Medicine Residency
Areas of Interest
Family Medicine
Women’s Health
Travel Medicine
Fun Stuff
Dr. Hickel loves skiing, hiking and mountain biking in the beautiful Alaskan backcountry. She is a proud 4th generation Alaskan and attended high school at Grace Christian School.
Sarah Bigelow-Hood is a certified physician assistant with over a decade of experience. Her medical career started in 2002 as a certified medical assistant (right here at Primary Care Associates) and was inspired to get involved in direct patient care.
She went back to school and earned a bachelor’s of science in clinical health from the University of Alaska Anchorage and her physician assistant certification from the University of Washington.
As a PA-C, Ms. Bigelow-Hood practiced family medicine in Anchorage for over 10 years before taking on the challenge of remote work in family, occupational and emergency medicine. She worked for various clients in places like Prudhoe Bay, Naknek and Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Today, she’s back in Anchorage with PCA’s occupational medicine team.
Education
Bachelors of Science (BS), Clinical Health (2013) University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK
Physician Assistant Certification (2009) University of Washington Seattle, WA
Certification History
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
Advanced trauma life support (ATLS)
Fun Stuff
When she’s not testing, treating, caring and working hard for Alaskan workers and their employers, Ms. Bigelow-Hood enjoys gardening, as well as traveling to new countries, sailing and hiking with her husband.
