MaryKat Nelson, PA-C, specializes in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery at Utica Park Clinic. Her professional areas of interest focus on surgery. “I’ve always enjoyed the surgical aspect of medicine,” she said. “During PA school my two favorite specialties were surgery and pediatric oncology. The surgical oncology specialty at Hillcrest encompasses both of these passions.”

MaryKat’s love of medicine began early. Her mother is a veterinarian. She said, “I grew up exposed to, and loving, medicine. My first career in medicine was a veterinary technician for 12 years, which served as a strong and unique foundation for my current medical practice.” A sadder turn of events motivated MaryKat to enroll in PA school. She adds, “In 2011 my young stepson was diagnosed with cancer. Throughout the ensuing years encompassing his illness, we spent countless hours at many different hospitals and interacted with many different providers. The relationships we built with our health care professionals during that very difficult time had a huge impact on our experience, many positively, and some negatively. The providers that imparted compassion, empathy and honesty brought a hopeful outlook, even with the darkest prognosis. These courageous providers and nurses sparked my interest in changing careers toward human medicine.”

Now, as a provider, MaryKat strives to help patients become the best version of themselves. She said, “I treat my patients as I would hope to be treated: with respect, empathy, honesty and fairness. I am open and honest, and always listen to my patients’ perspective and concerns regarding their health.” She values the relationships she has made through her practice.

MaryKat decorates her exam rooms with photos of travel, fur-babies and memories with loved ones. She shares her photos with the hope of showing a more personal side of herself and making her patients feel more comfortable and at ease. She said, “I put up these windows into who I am to remind myself and have reaped unexpected rewards from doing so. I have bonded with many patients over our stories and dreams of travel, homes in countries far away and our beloved fur-babies.”

When it comes to advice and encouragement with patients, MaryKat likes to share the words of a former 90-year-old patient who said, “Don’t stop moving and being active. Dance, sing and have a glass of wine. Quit the cigarettes.”

Outside of work, MaryKat enjoys spending time with her family, her pit bulls and riding her motorcycle. She also likes going to concerts, baking, gardening, golfing, kayaking, camping, hiking and traveling. “I have a goal to stay at national parks in all 50 states,” she said.