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Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center is welcoming two new health care providers to the community.
Physician Assistant Kathryn Kass joins the team of family medicine providers at the Houghton Family Health Center.
Dr. Sheryl Parks joins the team of OB/GYN providers at the Hancock Family Health Center.
Kass relocated to the Upper Peninsula after completing the Physician Assistant Program at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois.
A PA is a nationally certified and state-licensed medical professional who undergoes in-depth training to become experts in general medicine. In addition, PAs must complete extensive medical education throughout their careers.
Before completing the Physician Assistant Program, Kass studied at Northern Michigan University to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, followed by her Master of Science Degree in Exercise Science. “I have had experience in several areas and felt it was time to broaden my focus,” said Kass, “I like taking care of patients.” Kass looks forward to working with patients in a family medicine setting.
Kass also holds a multitude of certificates, some of which include the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistant, Michigan State Physician Assistant Licensure, and various life support certifications. Additionally, she has been certified in Group Exercise and Pilates through the National Exercise Trainers Association and holds a YogaFit Level I Certification.
Houghton Family Health Center is located inside UP Health System’s University Center at 600 MacInnes Drive, Houghton, Michigan. To schedule a visit with Kathryn Kass, PA, or another family medicine provider at the Houghton Family Health Center, call (906) 483-1860.
Parks attended Michigan State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Medicine as well as her Doctor of Medicine Degree. She then went on to complete her residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Parks has a passion for Federally Qualified Health Centers which stems from her first job at Public Health Service in Detroit, Michigan.
“As a member of Public Health Service, I served in an underserved area of Detroit,” said Parks, “As a child, I remember the long lines and long waits to receive health care. It was good to be able to make a dent in servicing the communities that needed care.”
Parks hopes to continue serving those who struggle to receive the care they need. She says, “My goal is quality care, regardless of the ability to pay. I enjoy working with women of all ages. I like working with teens, providing them education and assisting them in making decisions.”
Parks also looks forward to enjoying a slower-paced lifestyle in the Upper Peninsula. She hopes to get back to her favorite hobbies of writing and photography. Joining Dr. Parks are her husband of 33 years, Gregory Whittler, and their Goldendoodle, Lucy.
Hancock Family Health Center – OB/GYN is located inside UP Health System – Portage, 500 Campus Drive, Hancock, Michigan. To schedule a visit with Sheryl Parks, MD, or one of UGL’s other OB/GYN providers in Hancock, call (906) 483-1050.
