Wallace Boeve

Program Director
w-boeve@bethel.edu

Education: B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, Grand Valley State University; M.S. in Physician Assistant, Baylor College of Medicine; Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration, Eastern Michigan University

Experience: Wally Boeve has extensive experience both as a practicing physician assistant and as an academician. Prior to coming to Bethel, he served as department chair and program director of physician assistant studies in the College of Health Professions at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Most recently, he worked clinically as a PA at Pine Rest Christian Mental Hospital in Grand Rapids. Boeve has also served in health-related activities in state government and is a prolific writer and researcher.

Areas of Expertise: Professional practice issues of physician assistants, physician assistant faculty job satisfaction, physician assistant reimbursement and legislative issues

Gregory Ekbom

Director of Clinical Education
g-ekbom@bethel.edu 

Education: B.A. in Chemistry, Bethel University; M.D. from University of Minnesota Medical School; residency in General Surgery from the Medical College of Wisconsin, including clinical studies in Oxford, England.

Experience: Greg Ekbom brings over 30 years of surgical experience to his position at Bethel. He has served as a physician, partner in private practice, and clinical professor. Ekbom has held a teaching position at the Medical College of Wisconsin, leadership positions in the American College of Surgeons, and has experience in clinical research. Greg has been active as a church leader, with a special interest in short term medical missions, and he is an accomplished pianist.

Areas of Expertise: Surgical oncology, with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, general and vascular surgery, and GI endoscopy.

Amy Bronson

Assistant Professor
a-bronson@bethel.edu

Education: B.A. Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from Metropolitan State College; Certificate of Physician Assistant Studies from Red Rocks Community College; Masters of Medical Science from Saint Francis University

Experience:  Prior to joining the Bethel PA program faculty, Amy worked in clinical practice in Grand Junction, Colorado.  She has experience in Family Practice as well as clinical and surgical specialties including Otolaryngology and Reconstructive Facial Plastic Surgery. Amy is active in the ministry of Young Life and has a heart for medical missions.

Areas of Expertise: Disease prevention, health promotion, nutrition, ENT-related topics, with a special interest in pediatric head and neck disorders, including congenital neck masses, sleep apnea and cochlear implantation

Christina Hanson

Assistant Professor
c-hanson@bethel.edu

Education: B.S. in Biology from Bethel University; Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from Des Moines University

Experience: Christina has experience working in multiple specialty areas, including family practice, orthopedics, and urology. She has special interests in the areas of patient education and reaching underserved communities. Member of Pi Alpha physician assistant honor society.

Areas of Expertise: Orthopedics, specializing in spine care; urology

Daniel Leafblad

Medical Director
d-leafblad@bethel.edu

Education: B.S. in Chemistry from Bethel College; M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine; residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the University of Minnesota. 

Experience: Leafblad has extensive experience as a practicing ObGyn serving as a physician, partner, and executive board member. Leafblad is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has held teaching appointments at the University of Minnesota Medical School and the University of Minnesota Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Leafblad has been recognized by Minneapolis Saint Paul Magazine as a Top Doctor in ObGyn and a Top Female Physician Provider, and has received several teaching awards from the University of Minnesota Family Practice Residency Program.

Areas of Expertise: Infertility, minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, laser surgery