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.
Physician Assistant Ealum Howe is a long-time Alaskan, having grown up in Fairbanks since the age of four. After earning his bachelor’s of science in biochemistry from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, he completed a master’s degree in clinical health services from the University of Washington’s MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program. Along the way, he has collaborated with physicians and other physician assistants in a variety of settings, including cardiology, sleep medicine, neurology, dermatology, hospital intensive care, and emergency medicine.
Today at Primary Care Associates, he brings a well-rounded foundation and patient, compassionate approach to his own practice. He is excited to care for – and better the lives of – his fellow Alaskans.
Special Interests
- Family Medicine
- Urgent Care
Education
- Masters of Clinical Health Services, MEDEX Northwest, University of Washington
- Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fun Stuff
When not working, Ealum enjoys spending time with his wife and three children getting outside to run, hike, ski, camp, fish, play ultimate frisbee, and generally take advantage of all Alaska has to offer.
Dr. Isakson is a board-certified family medicine physician, with subspecialties in urgent care and preventative medicine. He moved here in 2010 to do his medical residency and never looked back. Today patients give him top ratings for his care and his ability to make people feel at ease through both compassionate care that’s never rushed and good humor.
Special Interests
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree (BS), Exercise Science, Utah State University
- Medical Degree (MD), Eastern Virginia School of Medicine
- Residency, Alaska Family Medicine
Fun Stuff
Dr. Isakson enjoys hiking, sea kayaking, downhill and cross-country skiing, trail running, and traveling.
Dr. Bruce Kiessling founded Primary Care Associates – on St. Patrick’s Day – in 1985. For decades, he served as Owner/Medical Director and has now launched his 50th year of patient care.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1973 and after postgraduate training promptly came up to Alaska and established his practice here. Today thousands of Alaskans recognize his voice – as the host of the long running “Just a GP” radio call-in show – or have been personally touched by his care and commitment to the community.
Dr. Kiessling says that nothing else matches the intellectual and emotional satisfaction and enjoyment as the practice of medicine. For him, it’s a privilege.
Special Interests
Education & Certification
- Bachelor of Arts, English Literature with Minor in Zoology, University of Michigan
- Doctor of Medicine, University of Michigan (1973)
- Residency, Presbyterian Medical Center, Denver, Colorado
- Board Certification, American Academy of Family Medicine, Beginning 1977
Community Service & Awards
- Host of “Just a GP” – his weekly medical call-in radio program (and podcast) for over 36 years on 650 KENI. The show is reported to have over 7,000 weekly listeners, including a lower 48 and international audience.
- Award-winning Interview Show Guest – Dr. Kiessling is the permanent Wednesday guest on “The Mike Porcaro Show” on KENI-AM radio. The station won a Goldie Award for broadcast excellence for its segment with Dr. Kiessling.
- Alaska Physician of Year for Community Service
- Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Gold Pan Award
- Anchorage School District Award for Community Service.
Fun Stuff
When Dr. Kiessling isn’t helping patients in the office or on the air, he’s likely out fishing, hunting, biking, boating, hiking and/or gardening with his family.
Leslie Langum, PAC, holds a master’s degree in physician assistant studies and has been practicing in Alaska for many years. Every day she enjoys helping people of all ages deal with all sorts of urgent medical needs and, as a family medicine providers, welcomes patients in need of routine health care.
Special Interests
- Urgent Care
- Family Medicine
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree (BS), Psychology, University of South Dakota
- Masters of Science, Physician Assistant Studies MSPAS)
Fun Stuff
When not helping other folks live the Alaska life, she’s out doing the same, hiking, fishing, knitting, traveling, camping, walking her dogs, and chasing after her very athletic toddler.
When Dr. Hale Loofbourrow meets with his patients, he looks at the whole person and why they have come to see him. He listens carefully, asks questions, and takes the time to understand and address their concerns directly and thoroughly. When it comes to choosing a treatment plan or course of care, he encourages patients to take an active role in decision-making, which leads to more effective care.
Areas of Interest
- Family Medicine
- Fitness
- Healthy eating & lifestyles
- Diabetes
Education
- BS in Biology at University of British Columbia
- Medical Degree (MD) at the National University of Ireland, Galway
- Family Medicine Residency, Alaska Family Medicine
- Graduate with Honors
Fun Stuff
Dr. Loofbourrow was born and raised in Juneau and moved back (to Anchorage) after medical school in 2014. He enjoys running, biking, skiing (cross country, downhill and backcountry), and hiking. He also speaks “a little” Spanish.
Dr. Miknich has committed his medical career to taking care of his fellow Alaskans, both in the exam room and as their advocate in the health care delivery system. As PCA’s Medical Director, he was instrumental in PCA becoming 100% Alaskan physician owned, which in turn helps patients enjoy a more robust and locally directed family practice.
Dr. Miknich is a lifelong Alaskan, and is dedicated to continuous improvement of communication, care and patient outcomes for both the practice and his individual patients.
Areas of Interest
- Family Medicine
- Sports Medicine
- Preventative Medicine
- Sports Medicine
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Men’s Health
Education
- BA in English, Washington State University
- Medical Degree (MD), University of Nevada School of Medicine (1995)
- Family Medicine Residency, University of Nevada, Reno (1998)
Fun Stuff
Dr. Miknich is a graduate of Service High School and a big hockey fan. When he’s not helping Alaskans regain and maintain their health, he enjoys outdoor Alaskan activities, playing hockey, and watching his children grow and develop.
Mary Perez has been helping Alaskans get and stay healthy for over a decade. Many folks from Southcentral area high schools and athletic organizations will recognize Mary from her athletic training days. Perhaps she’s managed your concussion, put your shoulder back in place, or helped you rehabilitate from knee surgery.
Mary graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mars Hill University with a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and went on to earn two master’s degrees – Applied Nutrition with a concentration in Sports and Fitness Nutrition from Northeastern University and Clinical Health Studies from MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program.
Today as a physician assistant, she offers urgent care, family medicine, and nutrition education to all family members and individuals in the community. She believes compassionate, holistic, patient-centered care is important in achieving positive health outcomes. She knows the value of living an active lifestyle and works hard to help patients of all ages and abilities do exactly that.
Special Interests
- Family Medicine
- Urgent Care
- Sports Medicine
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Injury Prevention
- Nutrition
Education:
- Master’s Degree (MS), Clinical Health Services, MEDEX Northwest Physician Assistant Program, University of Washington
- Master ‘s Degree (MS), Applied Nutrition, Sports and Fitness Nutrition, Northeastern University
- Bachelor Degree (BS), Magna Cum Laude, Athletic Training, Mars Hill University
Professional Memberships
- Alaska Academy of Physician Assistants
- American Academy of Physician Assistants
- Alaska Athletic Trainers Association, Vice President
Honors & Awards
- Alaska State Activities Association Hall of Fame – Orthopedic Physicians Alaska Athletic Training Outreach Program
- Anchorage Chamber of Commerce Gold Pan Award (2014) for Distinguished Community Service – Orthopedic Physicians Alaska Athletic Training Outreach Program
- Anchorage School District Gold Star Award for Outstanding Partnerships (2013 & 2018) – Orthopedic Physicians Alaska Athletic Training Outreach Program
Fun Stuff
In her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with her husband and twin daughters. They can often be found in a local gym at a sporting event or out fishing and glamping.
The spirit of osteopathic medicine is at the center of Dr. Seakit’s philosophy of care. He believes good health can only be achieved by focusing on the body as a whole. The body is a unity of mind, body and spirit and he tries to focus on all of these aspects when treating his patients.
Areas of Interest
- Family Medicine
- Urgent Care
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree (BS), Physiological Science., University of California Los Angeles
- Medical Degree (DO), A.T. Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO
- Residency, Alaska Family Medicine Residency
Fun Stuff
Once upon a time, he was a breakdancer. Nowadays, Dr. Seakit enjoys pursuing new adventures and various hobbies, especially with his wife and kids, including outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and traditional archery. He also speaks Thai.
Dr. Simono enjoys interacting with patients and developing trusted relationships over time. Her practice focuses on getting to the root of problems instead of simply treating current conditions. She gives her patients the tools and support they need to recover from, reverse and prevent a wide variety of diseases and conditions through lifestyle changes.
Areas of Interest
- Family Medicine
- Plant-based Diets
- Wilderness Medicine
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Biochemistry, University of Vermont
- Medical Degree (MD), University of Washington School of Medicine
- Family Medicine Residency, Duluth Family Practice
Fun Stuff
Dr. Simono has lived in Alaska since 1974 and graduated from Bartlett High. Her “hiking claim to fame” is climbing Denali in 2002 with her husband, unguided, and raising two active boys. Today in her spare time she enjoys hiking with her Samoyed, running, cross-country skiing, and cooking.
