Katie Peltz, PA recently joined the Orthopedics team at Gillette Children’s. Peltz specializes in treating idiopathic, neuromuscular and congenital scoliosis, along with a variety of other conditions.
Learn more about her, here:
Why did you decide to enter the medical field?
One of the main reasons I decided to go into medicine was my experiences on the other side of things as a patient. In my senior year of college, I was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer.
Things went quickly from there as the treatment process began. I had a lot of appointments and much of what was happening was completely foreign to me, but there were people there who helped me get through it.
Those experiences gave me really good insight into the role that compassionate, intentional health care providers can play in helping patients navigate difficult and unknown situations. I wanted to be a physician assistant because PAs have a unique position in being the main point of contact for patients and families.
What about working in Orthopedics as a specialty appealed to you?
I played basketball at Wheaton College in Illinois, so between that and my studies, orthopedics just seemed like a natural fit. I worked in orthopedics for two years prior to PA school and over time became increasingly interested in working with patients who have scoliosis and other spine conditions at Wheaton College in Illinois, so between that and my studies, orthopedics just seemed like a natural fit. I worked in orthopedics for two years prior to PA school and over time became increasingly interested in working with patients who have scoliosis and other spine conditions.
Why did you choose Gillette?
What appealed to me about working in orthopedics at Gillette was really the team-oriented, multidisciplinary care that Gillette provides. It’s a great environment to learn and work collaboratively with one another, and it’s clear that the people here value forming longstanding relationships with their patients.
If you had a general approach or philosophy of the care you provide, what would it be?
I’d say that It is an honor and privilege for me to partner with my patients, caregivers and families. An essential component in caring for my patients is ensuring that I understand their unique story and how that, combined with their goals, values, and priorities, will impact decisions for diagnosis and treatment. My goal is to equip patients and families with evidence-based information and high-quality resources so that they feel supported and empowered to make informed decisions that will help them thrive in the community and meet or exceed their goals.
Outside of work, how do you like to spend your time?
I love to read, spend time with my husband and our yellow lab Piper, and (weather permitting) be outside as much as possible
I’m originally from Shoreview, Minnesota, but I haven’t lived here since 2013 and we had been in North Carolina most recently. I love Minnesota and the welcome back home and to Gillette has been fantastic.
And I will say, it was really fun to see snow again.
To make a referral at Gillette Children's, visit our Referrals page to submit an online referral or call: 651-325-2200.
