Gary Hollinger, Physician Assistant

I realized I wanted to study medicine when I was a pharmacy technician for the U.S. Air Force. The exposure I had in the hospital environment made me want to become more involved with patient care.

Later, I pursued my studies to get my certification as a physician assistant from the USAF Physician Assistant Program through the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I trained as a physician
assistant at the United States Army Academy of Health Sciences, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where I received additional training in combat casualty care, advanced trauma life support and basic trauma life support.

Now, I help people who have suffered injuries on the job. I see patients between the ages of 18 and 70. The most common problems I deal with are: back aches, sprains, neck strains, shoulder injuries and knee problems.

My favorite part about my job is educating patients about their condition. I like to explain about the anatomy and physiology of their injury. It's also satisfying when I can fix a patient's problem immediately. For example, if a patient comes in with a laceration and I can help them right
away.

In my spare time, I enjoy riding motorcycles and ocean kayak fishing.